Larne vs Shamrock Rovers: Tiernan Lynch hopes Carl Frampton words help players land KO blow in Europe

Tiernan Lynch has called on his players to glean some inspiration from Carl Frampton and land a knockout blow on Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night.

Larne welcomed the former two-weight World boxing champion to Inver Park on Monday ahead of their crunch all-island showdown with Rovers in the UEFA Conference League.

Frampton delivered a rousing speech to Lynch's squad during his visit, stressing the importance of a 'professional approach' to their football careers, and lives in general.

READ NEXT: Manchester United legend Patrice Evra visits Larne FC ahead of big Euro night

READ NEXT: Mark Allen happy with NI Open start despite 'things going on in background'

It was a passionate rallying call from the Tiger's Bay hero who won world titles in both the super-bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Thursday's European showdown sees the champions of Northern Ireland face the kings of the League of Ireland in what has been billed as a 'North vs South' battle.

Rovers have tasted the group stages of European competition before, while this season is Larne's first taste of the top table.

Lynch says belief is starting to grow that Larne belong in elite company, but the mentality shift remains a work in progress.

"Carl Frampton was obviously with us this week. We asked Carl to speak with the players," Lynch said.

"He is a double weight world champion from a working class area in Belfast. As he said himself., he had no God-given right to be a double world champion.

READ MORE: Manchester United legend Patrice Evra visits Larne FC ahead of big Euro night

READ MORE: Carl Frampton hits home with powerful message to Larne footballers ahead of big night

"That is our mentality at times, that we have no right to sit at the top table. And that is one of the big things we have to change.

"We are working very hard internally to get these players to understand their ability. I didn't think Larne had any God-given right to play group stage football in Europe, but we have shown now that we can do it, and we need to get belief from it. And the players need to play with belief, and know they compete against Shamrock Rovers, and more.

"They showed they could do it for 57 minutes against Molde, and the more we do that then the more belief we will get. Football is all about belief and confidence, and stepping up to the challenge and pressure.

"We hope and pray the more we do it then the more the players will enjoy it and believe."

Asked if he felt Larne were "flying the flag" for Northern Ireland football this week, Lynch added: "One million per cent. And it is something we are enjoying and embracing. We have talked about it internally.

"I am very proud of our league and the ability and quality in it. Hopefully, we can go now and give a good account of ourselves.

"I probably harp on about it every week, about the quality in this league. Not just from a players' perspective but also managers and coaches. And I don't think we get the credit we deserve.

"Sometimes we bring that on ourselves because of the lack of belief in the things we do. All of us, Larne included. And it is something we are working on internally to try and change. I do think there is a huge amount of ability and growth in this league, and it is important that tomorrow night we show what we're about."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox