The Newtownards gymnast went into the competition knowing he was still working his way back after injury and surgery, so a podium finish was never going to be taken for granted. He ultimately scored 14.166, leaving him seventh after qualifying for the final in fifth with 14.400.

Italy’s Gabriele Targhetta took gold on 15.133, with Armenia’s Hamlet Manukyan and Mamikon Khachatryan claiming silver and bronze, as reported by The 42.

McClenaghan had already made it clear that he was approaching these championships as part of his recovery rather than expecting to immediately return to his very best. He compared the event to the Commonwealth Games, which he had also viewed as an important step in his comeback.

His aim now is to gradually increase the difficulty of his routines while becoming more consistent with his execution, accepting that getting back to full strength will take time.

Eamon Montgomery also came away from Zagreb without a medal, finishing seventh in the floor final with 13.533. The Belfast gymnast had qualified in sixth after scoring 14.033, but could not match that mark when it mattered most.

Both Irish gymnasts can now turn their attention towards the World Championships in Rotterdam, with McClenaghan set to compete on pommel horse and Montgomery on floor.