COLIN MILLAR PLAYERS’ WILL TO BE INVOLVED DRIVING US ON

By Lynch praises the contagious attitude of his squad

LARNE boss Tiernan Lynch believes his current squad is the best group of players he has worked with and has praised their professionalism.

The East Antrim outfit sit four points clear at the top of the Championship having gone unbeaten through their opening 11 league games this season.

“This is the best bunch of players I have ever worked with in every measure,” Lynch, who has previously coached at Cliftonville and Glentoran, told Match On Tuesday.

“It is not just the ability and the talent but it’s their attitude and professionalism which stand out above everyone else.

“Maybe people do not realise the levels of preparation that goes into training in terms of the gym work, the sprint completion rates, the kilometres they are covering – it takes genuine commitment.

“These players are dedicated to this day in day out. They are on a two-week ban from alcohol because of the games we have had and the need to be in our best possible shape for this.

“None of this fazes the players and they have embraced the challenge, so they have an incredible amount of potential and can go as far in Northern Irish football as they want.

“Over summer, we felt we had a blank sheet of paper in terms of the culture of Larne FC and that has come from the top of the club right down to every level.

“It covers everything from training, preparation for games, the post-game analysis, the diet, the rest, alcohol and everything else, everyone has bought into it and its paying dividends.”

Whilst they have dropped just four points to date, Lynch is under no illusions over the difficulty of the league and the number of difficult assignments to come.

“Somewhere along the line we know there will be difficult results,” the boss added.

“The important thing is to maintain our levels of commitment and professionalism because there is absolutely no arrogance about this group, they are completely focused.

“The most impressive thing this season has been the ability to dig in and compete against the physicality of teams while staying true to our style, there is no let-up and the players knuckle down.

“People say winning or losing is contagious but it is the attitude here which is contagious, it is unbelievably competitive and it drives everyone on.”

Saturday saw another comprehensive victory, with Larne seeing off Carrick Rangers 4-0 at Inver Park in front of more than 1,000 supporters.

“It maybe wasn’t our slickest performance of the season but it was a clinical one, we took our chances at the right time and were extremely professional throughout,” continued Lynch. “These games are all about the three points for us, but the local derby aspect does not change anything for us as every game counts the same with our aims and ambitions.

“It is probably a little nicer for the fans to get wins in these games and we are so happy thecyarhriacvk’es for us this season – they really have been our twelfth man.

“The performance was impressive in that it came in the wake of Wednesday night’s game [against a Rangers Select side] with the media profile and hype which came with that.

“But I should have known better, because these boys are absolutely fantastic and the preparation and attitude was perfect.” Saturday’s clash saw former Crusaders and Cliftonville winger Marty Donnelly net a hat-trick, making it an incred- for them, because ible 14 Championship goals in just 11 appearances this season.

“All our goals are team goals which are really well-worked,” analysed Lynch, right.

“Marty has had a fantastic season and his finishing has been terrific, but those numbers are down to the terrific build-up play and patience with the team.

“Marty is a player who is full of confidence and has tremendous ability, who exemplifies the work-rate and determination of this group of players.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with how clinical he has been in front of goal this season and it obviously gives us a massive boost, but the spirit and understanding is fantastic and that drives that.”

Next up for Larne is a trip to H&W Welders on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off at Tillysburn Park.