LARNE boss Tiernan Lynch has revealed he is in his element as he aims to prepare the Invermen to make their mark in Europe.
The reigning Champions will take on RFS in Riga next week for the first round of their Champions League first qualifying round tie, before welcoming them to Inver Park a week later.
The carrot of winning this tie is huge as it guarantees a play-off for the Conference League at the very least.
It also provides Lynch and co the opportunity to pit their wits against some top talent from all around the continent.
The league-winning manager readily admitted it makes this his ‘favourite part of the season’ as he continues to bring his players up to speed in their pre-season programme.
The next instalment of that preparation comes in tonight’s Charity Shield encounter at home to Clifonville.
“It’s actually my favourite part of the season,” Lynch said.
“I love the whole process of playing in Europe, the razzmatazz of the games, the travelling and spending time in hotels, setting our team to play against relatively unknown opposition.
“So I really enjoy the whole experience that comes with European football.
“We’re always trying to improve. We’ve spent a lot of time in pre-season so far watching back the two ties from last year against HJK Helsinki and Ballkani.
“We saw things that we did well and we’ve seen things we can improve on.
“One of the thing we feel that we can improve on – and it’s not just us but probably all clubs in the league – is to move on from the intimidation factor.
“That feeling that we don’t necessarily feel we belong there. Why shouldn’t we feel we belong and go out there and give a good account of ourselves.”
Lynch, along with his assistant and brother Seamus as well as first team coach Gary Haveron have spent the last three weeks doing their homework on the Latvian champions.
They are, of course, the side who dramatically broke Linfield’s hearts in the Conference League play-off back in 2023, equalising in the last minute of extra-time before going on to win the penalty shoot-out at Windsor Park.
They comes into this tie currently more than halfway through their league campaign with a healthy lead at the summit.
Lynch knows it makes for an uphill task, but one he’s ready to embrace.
He added: “RFS are 20 or games in their league campaign and they’re seven points clear of the rest
“They’ve scored a lot of goals in the last few games and not conceded too many so they’re a really good side.
“They also seem to have a strength in depth about their squad which allows them to rotate as games go on and keep fresh legs.
“I know there are a few very talented Brazilian players there who are very good, so this is a tough draw.
“However, it’s also one we need to embrace and enjoy and make what we can out of.”
Tonight’s Action Mental Health Charity Shield encounter with Irish Cup holders Cliftonville provides both sides with ideal preparation going into their European assignments.
Lynch also believes the growing rivalry between the two clubs will give the game as close to a competitive edge as possible.
“Credit has to go to NIFL and both clubs to arranging the game for this weekend,” he said.
“We all know how difficult it is to get decent, competitive fixtures at this time of the year when you’re preparing for Europe.
“I think there’s always going to be that we bit of rivalry between the clubs and I mean that in the nicest possible way.
“It’s a game which helps to carry a bit more spice than playing a Bala Town or one of the Welsh clubs who have come here preparing for European games of their own.”