'Coleraine have a target on their back' - Cosgrove

Larne captain Tomas Cosgrove believes that Coleraine "have a target on their back" this season in the Irish Premiership. The Inver Reds secured their third league title in four years last season, finishing three points ahead of the Bannsiders in second. As preparations continue for the European fixtures, Larne will face Irish Cup champions Coleraine in the Charity Shield with the Larne captain. The Bannsiders finished last campaign the team in form, winning the Irish Cup and were unbeaten during the post-split fixtures. "Coleraine are a great team, it was the hardest game we played last season. They keep the ball well and their movement is good," Cosgrove told BBC Sport NI. "I think the target has always been on our back since we have started in the Premiership again. "I think Coleraine have a target on their back also. People seem to up their game and want to beat a team when you have investment. That is a bit of pressure, but you can also use it to your advantage." Larne made history in 2024 by becoming the first team to reach the group stage of a major European tournament. Now, they will aim to continue their dreams of making history again when they play Tre Fiori of San Marino in the Champions League first qualifying round. "I would say they fairly team, they will be up for it and defend really well," Cosgrove continued. "Obviously being on the Italian boarder, they will have a few players we have never heard of and they probably haven't heard of us. "They probably wanted us and we wanted them, so we just have to go get the job done. You always have to be confident in every football game."