Step ahead: Paul O’Neill gets past Linfield’s Michael Newberry
The emergence of youngsters like Dylan Sloan has boosted the Invermen
Larne striker Paul O’Neill insists his team can handle the pressure that comes with being champions.
Tiernan Lynch’s boys have become public enemy number one in the Sports Direct Premiership after lifting the title for the first time in the club’s 134-year history last April.
After six games, they are still unbeaten — although they have drawn three which means they are playing catch-up, having dropped four points adrift of David Healy’s Linfield.
Former Glentoran and Cliftonville man O’Neill believes there is still a lot more to come from the boys in red as they strive to keep the Gibson Cup at Inver Park.
“We are champions, so the pressure will always be there,” claims the 23-year-old O’Neill. “It is no different from last season.
“Everyone is out to get us because we are the title holders, but we simply go out and enjoy every game... we are the champions, so it’s down to us do show what we are about.
“There is no doubt, we have enough experience in the dressing room to handle the pressure, boys who have been there and done it all before.
“We also have a good mix of young lads in the group as well... young Dylan Sloan has been brilliant this season. He has benefited from the holder heads in the squad.
“The pressure was on last season, especially approaching the last phase of matches, so we know what it’s all about.”
The emergence of youngsters like Dylan Sloan has boosted the Invermen
With Linfield due to leave a calling card on Friday night, O’Neill reckons Inver Park will be no place for the faint-hearted.
He went on: “It’s a massive game. I suppose they’ll have a bit of a bitter taste
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