Larne adjusting to European challenge as focus switches once more says Levi Ives

Levi Ives believes Larne are starting to get to grips with the different demands of European football.

The Invermen came within 10 minutes of securing their first points in the UEFA Conference League group stage on Thursday night before Hugo Vandermersch's goal secured the win for St Gallen at Windsor Park.

It was a sore one for the hosts to take after putting so much into the 90+ minutes, but Ives feels their performance showed they have made improvements from their first game against Molde.

READ MORE:We tried the Belfast institution which has been a hit for more than 20 years

READ MORE:Ex-Irish League goalkeeper opens up on cancer battle as clubs send support

"In our league you have a lot more of the ball," said the fullback. "In Europe it's a faster tempo and the opposition players keep the ball a lot better.

"If you were to watch the game back you probably only have the ball for about eight or ten minutes in the whole match.

"The opposition have the majority of it so you're just chasing and doing all the ugly work. But if we can get to the other side of it and start to be able to play the football along with the rest of it I think we'll be alright."

Larne's demanding schedule continues on Sunday as they welcome Coleraine to Inver Park. They are still playing catch-up in the League but Ives doesn't feel the schedule has put any more demands on the team.

"We just have to take each game as it comes and it's Coleraine up next on Sunday, we'll look at Europe when the next game comes round again," he said.

"We've obviously picked up a few bad results which we would have liked to win but I don't think our schedule is to blame because it's just like playing on a Saturday-Tuesday.

"The normal Irish League schedule is tight enough, but we've a big enough squad to rotate and everyone is good enough to play. We've more boys coming back from injury too so if anything we're only going to get stronger."

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice