Danske Bank Irish Premiership: Linfield v Larne (today, 3pm)
LARNE captain Tomas Cosgrove wants his team-mates to carry that renowned touch of confidence Belfast teams have into games and start believing they’re as good as anyone in the top flight.
Larne remain unbeaten at the top of the Irish Premiership and are showing no signs of faltering after their statement 4-0 win over Cliftonville last Friday night.
Tiernan Lynch’s men face another test of their championship credentials as they travel to face defending champions Linfield who are stuttering in sixth place having lost three league games already this season.
A point would be deemed a good result for the visitors to Windsor Park today – but Cosgrove wants more.
“I wouldn’t take a point - I want all three,” said the Larne defender. That’s me just being greedy.
“There’s no point going into a game and thinking we’ll just be happy with a draw. That’s the wrong mind-set. You go into every game wanting to win and I’d say Linfield are the same. I think that’s where Larne has to change and be more like the Belfast clubs who believe they’re going to beat anyone and they’re not just going to accept points here and there.
“Belfast boys get stuck in, they’ll work really hard for you, it’s where we’re from. That’s just the way it is, their mentality
“Now, you do have some really good players in the provincial teams. Over the years, Larne aren’t used to the big occasions, whereas growing up and playing for Cliftonville you were expected to win every game. I enjoyed that, I always want to be playing in the big games.
“But we’ll keep doing what we’re doing at Larne. We’re unbeaten, we’re playing well, so why can’t we go to Windsor and get three points?”
After today’s trip to Windsor, Larne travel to second-placed Glentoran before hosting Crusaders – three clubs that would have designs on winning the Gibson Cup this season.
“If you come out of these next three games well, because the head-to-heads are so important, we’ll be in a good position,” said Cosgrove.
“In seasons gone by if we dropped points, we’d drop more points straight away, whereas the top teams don’t do that; they go out the next week and win again.”
Cosgrove spent the first part of his career at his local club Cliftonville before moving on to Inver Park where he’s been a big part of their renaissance over the last five seasons.
He still endures some friendly banter from the Reds fans, especially after Larne mauled the north Belfast men last Friday evening, but Cosgrove has the added complication of his young daughter being a dyed-in-the-wool Cliftonville fan.
“I get dog’s abuse during games but there’s no malice in it. My daughter gives me more abuse as she’s a big Cliftonville fan. I start laughing.
“She plays for Cliftonville Girls and she’s so into the club. She doesn’t care if her daddy plays for Larne, she’s Cliftonville through and through. I love that. You support your local team.
“Now, my wee boy is a bit easier to coax - if I buy him a kit, he’ll support any team!”
Danske Bank Irish Premiership fixtures (3pm): Coleraine V Cliftonville, Newry v Glentoran, Glenavon v Carrick Rangers, Crusaders v Portadown, Linfield v Larne
