Larne’s lack of self-belief was what cost us our European dream, admits Tiernan Lynch

Tiernan Lynch's Larne begin their Premiership campaign against Dungannon Swifts on Monday

Nazmi Gripshi of Ballkani celebrates his goal against Larne on Thursday night

Albion Rrahmani of Ballkani after scoring his side's third goal on Thursday night

Larne boss Tiernan Lynch believes his team suffered an inferiority complex in their Uefa Conference League exit on Thursday night.

The Irish League champions lost out 7-1 on aggregate to FC Ballkani, which ended their European journey in a gloomy night at Solitude — Larne’s Inver Park base failed to meet Fifa requirements to host the game.

Following their agonising Champions League exit the previous week when they lost out (3-2) to crack Finnish side HJK Helsinki in extra time, the Inver men were oozing with confidence for the Conference League second round clash.

Lynch is not into excuses. He admits the team from Kosovo were clinical and ruthless over the two legs and has no complaints — they cruised home 4-1 in north Belfast.

“We are certainly learning a lot more every year in terms of European football and how teams operate,” said Lynch.

“In my opinion, a lot of it is down to self-confidence and self-belief. There was definitely an element of that for us, when we approached those European games, we didn’t think we are as good (as the opposition). We appear to play with a lack of confidence and a lack of belief.

“I certainly felt that. For example, for 45 minutes against HJK Helsinki, we gave them far too much respect (in the away fixture). Once we started to show we can play at this level, we were a different team. We have good players as well, so that was the biggest lesson for me.”

Lynch admitted Ballkani were a step up in class.

He went on: “They are quick and decisive