Larne need to turn unwanted post-European record around says Shaun Want

Shaun Want has warned his Larne teammates that they cannot afford another post-Europe hangover as they look to kick on in the Irish Premiership.

The reigning champions are yet to win in the Irish League this season following a European fixture. Defeats to Dungannon Swifts and Portadown followed their first two group games in the UEFA Conference League while they drew at Coleraine in the opening game of the season immediately after their famous victory over Lincoln Red Imps.

They face the Bannsiders again this afternoon with Want insisting that they cannot afford to slip up again as they look to move up the table.

"We need to get it right because the last few Sunday games we've played we've not been ourselves and been quite slack," he said. "As players we need to be ready for Sunday and not make the same mistakes we've made the last few times.

"It's an exciting league and no-one's running away with it yet. In a way that's good because that means it could be anybody's league.

"We have to look at ourselves and as I say we've not been good enough yet and it's about time we started getting back to what we were like the last couple of seasons.

"Any team in this league can beat any other team on their day. We know that and we certainly won't be going into any game thinking it will be an easy three points. We just need the right attitude going into games and if we do it should stand us in good stead."

Want is hoping the Invermen can build on an improved showing against St Gallen on Thursday night. Despite slipping to a late defeat the big defender believes they have learned from the defeat to Shamrock Rovers when he admitted a few "tough words" were exchanged.

"After the Shamrock Rovers game a lot of boys were hurt," he said. "There were a few tough words said to each other because it wasn't acceptable. Everyone who was on that pitch on Thursday night can be proud of the shift that they put in.

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

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

"St Gallen are a good side but you could tell by their celebrations that it was a tight game and they were glad to get the points. The gaffer has obviously spoken about us improving and you can see there tonight we've improved from the first two games.

"We're here on merit and not on luck. We've always said that if you want to play at this level then you have to show that you belong here. You are going to get tough opposition, but you can see in every game we are getting better and better.

"We've three games left but we will take a lot of confidence from it. We felt like a more stable team than we did against Rovers, we just have to take it into the last three games now."

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