Shaun Want backs Larne to deal with extra pressures of title defence

Shaun Want is aware that opponents will step their game up against Larne in the year ahead

Shaun Want says Larne’s history makers need to grasp the reality they will have a target on their backs when the Premiership season starts.

The Invermen are still in European mode after a first title success in their 134-year history opened the door to Champions League football.

Despite a courageous performance over two legs against HJK Helsinki, defeat meant a third year in Europa Conference League qualifying for the east Antrim outfit.

After the synthetic pitch at their Inver Park home failed to satisfy Fifa criteria, Larne set up temporary home at Solitude and on Thursday they face the daunting task of overturning a 3-0 scoreline against Ballkani.

The dominant performance from the home side in Kosovo has left Larne needing to regroup and when the League starts, their character and resilience will be put under the spotlight again.

Tiernan Lynch’s side will have more enemies than anyone else and, as champions, they are the scalp every rival craves.

Former Hamilton Academical ace Want admits the price of success is the added motivation of opponents.

“We will have a big target on our back next season after what we have achieved but as a team we have to stay together, improve and kick on, so we can win more trophies,” said Want.

“The League is competitive and that’s what we want and enjoy. Other teams have strengthened and they will be looking to wrestle the title back off us.

“That’s something we need to be ready to deal with. Clubs will step up their game and want to make a statement against us. It’s something we need to be aware of.

“I’ve no doubt we can rise to that challenge.”

The departure of midfielder Fuad Sule was a big blow