Larne defender Dan Bent has spent the summer playing in the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers, and now faces a former team in a Conference League tie that could earn his club vital funds. The Northern Irish champions began their European campaign in July, with Bent's penalty helping them overcome Tre Fiori of San Marino before a memorable encounter with Red Star Belgrade.
Red Star Belgrade experience
Larne were drawn against former European champions Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League second qualifying round. They lost 9-0 on aggregate, but Bent described the experience as unforgettable. "Red Star was probably the biggest game in the club's history," he said. "When the draw came out, we were ecstatic. You want to play those games in those stadiums. Everyone tells you about how long the tunnel is and how intimidating it is, and then you're there and a part of it. There were 27,000 fans and the funny thing is, for them, that's a medium-sized crowd. The stadium was only half-full."
Bent acknowledged the gap in quality, saying: "Red Star were just another level. You don't realise until you're in amongst it. You do your best, but sometimes there are gaps that are hard to bridge. But to play in that competition, at that ground, against a team as big as that, was amazing. I'll remember it for the rest of my life."
Logistical challenges of summer qualifiers
The quick turnaround between European qualifiers presents unique challenges. "It's a privilege to play in Champions League qualifiers but a lot of uncertainty comes with that," Bent explained. "In early June you know your first Champions League game would be around the first week of July, so you can gear up for that. But after that, each week will just change depending on results. One minute, we could be heading to Rangers or Slovakia, the next we're going to Gibraltar or Cyprus. You might be playing one team who could play in a totally different way to the other, or we might want to play in a different way against them. You need to pick up things quickly. It's a quick turnaround. Logistically, it is pretty crazy. You have to plan for all eventualities."
Bent also acknowledged the strain on his family. "I've got a partner and two children and it is hard for them," he said. "She's very supportive and understands, but it doesn't get any easier knowing I'm away for three days, then the week after I could be flying out again to another country. It helps when you have a good family around you who understand the demands of football. They know it's a positive thing because not many people are able to play in Champions League qualifiers."
Gibraltar return and financial stakes
Bent's career has taken him from Gillingham to the United States and Gibraltar before joining Larne. He spent enough time in Gibraltar to earn 17 caps for the national team. Now Larne face Lincoln Red Imps, the Gibraltan champions, over two legs for a place in the Conference League group stage. The first leg on Thursday marks an emotional return for Bent.
The tie carries significant financial rewards. Larne beat the Red Imps at this stage two years ago and secured €2.6m in prize money by reaching the group stage. In contrast, clubs receive around £50,000 for winning the league in Northern Ireland and just £20,000 for winning the cup. "There's a big core of boys who were here when they got to the group phase, so they talk about that," said Bent. "They played games all the way up until Christmas. They've been there and they want to go back."
Bent will play in Europe for the 21st time when Larne visit Gibraltar. He noted the experience within the squad: "Our goalkeeper, Rohan Ferguson, has something like 40 appearances in Europe. We have boys who've been great servants in the league but haven't played a lot of European football, and young lads with that fresh hunger, wanting to play in it. It's a well-balanced group."
Larne began their title defence with a goalless draw at Coleraine, and the second leg against Lincoln Red Imps will be their 10th match in five competitions this season. Despite the demanding schedule, Bent and his teammates are embracing the opportunity. "That's where the hard work of winning the league previously comes to fruition," he said. "You go through the whole year to win the league, to make sure you'll have a summer of European football. If you go out of the Champions League, you're going to be dropping down and having a few games. I do enjoy that."
