Stewart hails Larne spirit ahead of heavyweight clash with Ports
TOMMY Stewart believes the competitive spirit in the Larne squad is driving the Inver Park men on this season.
For the first time in the campaign Tiernan Lynch’s side moved to the top of the Championship table last weekend with a 2-0 victory at Dundela. The aim now is to stay there and secure promotion to the top flight.
Those title credentials will be tested today when Larne host third placed Portadown in an eagerly anticipated clash.
“It is going to be one of the bigger games I suppose. There will be a bigger crowd so the atmosphere will be louder and that will give everyone a lift around the stadium so in that respect there is probably a little more to it but to be honest we treat every game the same,” said Stewart, a key figure in Larne’s push for promotion.
With so many new players coming to Larne over the last year, it can take time to gel though Stewart feels they are improving week on week.
“I think that’s what you want in a team, to see people are getting better all the time and that they are learning,” said the striker.
“We put that demand on each other to improve in every training session and every game and then we reflect on that to see where we can get can even better. There’s that competitive nature in the squad between the group which is good to see.
“It takes time to gel when new players come in. The important thing is people are willing to fight for each other and listen and learn. Tiernan has that respect from the players and we are all trying to give 100%.”
Stewart hails from Portadown and played with Portadown Boys though it was after he was with Hillsborough Boys that his career took off and saw him play for Linfield, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Partick, Dundalk and enjoy spells with Sacramento Republic and Ottawa Fury across the Atlantic.
The 31-year-old sees helping Larne into the Irish Premiership as another big challenge.
“We are at the top of the table and like any team would we want to stay there,” he says.
“The Championship is one of those leagues where people are in your face a lot and set-pieces are crucial. You can’t switch off at any time and it’s a good learning curve and one we are all enjoying. It may not be seen as the prettiest league but we aren’t going to worry about that. We’re together in what we want to achieve.”
Stewart netted a brace in Larne’s 2-0 midweek win over Carrick Rangers in the County Antrim Shield. Along with the dazzling Marty Donnelly, the Ports know stopping that pair will go a long way to preserving their unbeaten record.
“Marty is a class act. He has that cultured left peg and can open up any defence with one pass,” says Stewart.
“He’s a dangerous player and one I always look forward to playing with. He’s great for assists and has chipped in with goals already this season and hopefully he can cause Portadown a lot of problems.”