Linfield star Chris Shields has insisted that Sunday’s dismal show of their shock 2-1 defeat at Carrick Rangers was under no circumstances all the way down to a European hangover, and quite than feeling sorry for themselves the gamers should transfer on and try to win each competitors in home soccer this season.
With historical past and a Europa Convention League group stage spot simply seconds away final Thursday, the Blues shipped an personal aim by Jimmy Callacher in opposition to Latvian outfit RFS at Windsor Park, sending the play-off to penalties with David Healy’s facet shedding within the shoot-out.
Whereas the European exit value the membership £2.5 million, it was additionally a devastating blow to the administration and gamers who have been relishing the prospect of extra high-profile contests in Europe, and the crushing disappointment appeared to have an effect on the weekend because the champions misplaced to Carrick.
Nevertheless, talking to the Belfast Telegraph, Shields, who was named Participant of the Yr when Linfield gained the title final time period and got here off the bench within the second half on Sunday, affirmed: “To say it's a hangover is an excuse. You present me a person who drinks 14 pints and has a week-long hangover. You've got a hangover for a day and also you get again on the job as a result of we're skilled footballers and that’s what we've to do.
“Towards Carrick it was a poor efficiency. As a complete squad we have to have a look at ourselves now. There isn't a level feeling sorry for ourselves as a result of should you do and also you proceed with that kind, you’ll get nowhere.”
Forward of Saturday’s journey to Ballymena, Shields added: “We're out of Europe, it’s completed till subsequent summer time. Our plan can be to get again to our bread and butter and try to win each competitors we're in.”