Larne have shown that we are at home among Europe’s elite, says Leroy Millar
Larne star Leroy Millar battles with HJK Helsinki’s Anthony Olusanya during the Inver Reds’ eventual Champions League exit at Solitude
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch will have his eyes on further European progression when his side take on Ballkani
Leroy Millar felt that it was a missed opportunity for Larne against HJK despite a spirited performance
Midfield maestro Leroy Millar insists Larne will not be short of confidence in tonight’s UEFA Europa Conference League clash against FC Ballkani at the Suva Reka City Stadium.
Tiernan Lynch’s boys’ wounds are still seeping from their agonising Champions League exit when losing to Finnish side HJK Helsinki 3-2 over two hotly contested legs.
Although the Finns held a slender advantage from the opening fixture, strikes from Lee Bonis and Joe Thomson sent Solitude into a frenzy after Tuomas Ollila had shot the visitors into a two-goal aggregate lead.
Larne were so much looking forward to a history-making first Champions League appearance in front of their home fans at Inver Park, but were denied that opportunity because their pitch failed to meet FIFA standards.
Larne boss Tiernan Lynch will have his eyes on further European progression when his side take on Ballkani
It meant that fans instead congregated at the north Belfast venue, and a famous European night looked on the cards until defender Shaun Want inadvertently turned Roope Riski’s scuffed attempt into his own net in extra-time.
Although Lynch’s men could afterwards afford to puff out their chests with pride, Millar believes it was a golden chance that had passed them by.
“Yes, we showed great character to level things up and then take the lead, but it must go down as a big opportunity missed,” admitted the former Ballymena
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