Josh Daniels believes The New Saints have to show no fear in their final three Europa Conference League fixtures if they stand any chance of qualifying – after a narrow defeat to Shamrock Rovers.
The Saints, who were searching for back to back wins in the competition, went in front in Ireland thanks to Jordan Williams’ early strike, but were behind at the break and couldn’t get back into the contest.
The result leaves them with three points from three outings – as they now prepare to face Djurgarden, Panathinaikos and Celje in their remaining games.
The Saints boss Craig Harrison has previously stated seven points should be enjoy to progress to the next round, a target that now looks a tall order for the Cymru Premier champions.
But former Shrewsbury man Daniels has called on his team-mates to enjoy their final league phase games and show no fear.
He said: “I think first and foremost we go straight back to the league now, and it is just one at a time.
“We’ve got three tough games coming up, they are tough, but no one expected us to get any points at all.
“We just need to enjoy it and not be afraid. We need to impose ourselves and be brave because at the end of the day we are here for a reason.
“It is now to be apart of it but we know they will be tough games.”
The Saints had half chances in Ireland, but it was the home side who ran out deserved winners. In the second half, despite restricting the home side, it was Shamrock who had the better of the play and could have gone further ahead.
Saints boss Harrison admitted his side ‘didn’t quite get it right’ between their goal and the break, but commended them for their second half display.
He added: “We scored early and it is a long time to take a step back and defend, which we did too early.
“The lads did brilliant in the second half and we restricted them, but we needed to make sure we got in at half time in front or level, and it would have been a different game.
“We didn’t quite get it right between scoring and half time, we were stretched a bit and unfortunately at this level when you do that you’ll find yourselves behind.
“Everything has to go right for you at this level, it did against Astana but it didn’t tonight and Shamrock were the better side on the night.”
