Thompson saw his 42nd-minute effort pushed away by former Saints goalkeeper Paul Gallacher and he volleyed wide from six yards in the second period as another chance to net a debut goal eluded him.

Saints continued to create the better chances but Dunfermline held on for a goalless draw on their return to the SPL.

In spite of that, Lennon said: "I thought big Stevie Thompson was terrific in the way he led the line, more so in the first half.

"Even with the disappointment of not scoring the penalty, he didn't let it affect him. He still went in there and created chances for others, opportunities for himself, and that's what good players do.

"We didn't even mention the penalty incident at half-time. He was having a good game up until that point and he continued that in the second half.

"I wouldn't have a problem with him taking another one, he is confident enough to go and do that. He struck it well enough, it's a decent height for any goalkeeper, nonetheless still a good save."

Lennon added: "With the balance of play and chances created, we are very, very, very disappointed not to take three points.

"But there were a lot of positive things in the game, especially in the first half. If we continue the work we have done in the four or five weeks we've been together then we can only improve.

"Give Dunfermline credit for getting a bit tighter in the second half. We didn't move the ball as quickly as we did in the first half and get the balls into key areas but we still created the better chances in open play."

Dunfermline manager Jim McIntyre admitted his players looked nervous but was happier with their second-half display.

"I think first half our passing was sloppy, we looked a bit nervous on the ball. that's maybe human nature but I think that will get better," he said.

"I don't think we deserved three points. I thought in the second half we were far better, the first half St Mirren were the better side."

Former St Mirren captain John Potter conceded the penalty after referee Stevie O'Reilly ruled he had pulled back Thompson.

McIntyre said: "I would need to see the penalty again, I don't know if it was a pen or not. Our players thought it was soft.

"But that's the reason I signed Paul Gallacher, he's a top-class keeper."