James Teelan says the opportunity to play European football was a big factor in his decision to join Crusaders.
The 20-year-old made the switch to Seaview this summer after two impressive seasons with Newry City.
Teelan is now relishing his first foray into Europe as the Crues take on FK Haka in the away leg of the Europa Conference League first round qualifier this evening.
Read next: What channel is FC Haka v Crusaders on? TV and live stream info for the game
"I'm looking forward to it, that was one of the big things that made me want to sign for Crusaders," he said.
"I want to test myself in Europe and it's exciting.
"They'll be fit but our training has been really good, it's been tough and we will be as sharp as we possibly can.
"We have had a few friendlies beforehand so we should be going into it flying as well.
"Last year Seaview was a bit of a fortress and I know that going there as an opposition player!
"I don't think Crusaders lost there much last season so we will be wanting to keep it tight in the first leg and bring them back home."
Teelan has settled into life on the Shore Road straight away and is only too happy to learn from the experienced players around him.
"It's great and I'm loving it at Crusaders," he said.
"The professionalism of it all, the players that I'm playing with and learning off the likes of Paul Heatley and Ross Clarke.
"It's great to watch them guys train and see the hunger they have even though they've won practically everything.
"They come in every day and give 100%, so it's great learning from those guys."
The forward has certainly hit the ground running with his new club bagging his first competitive goal in the 2-0 win over Larne in the Charity Shield.
"As soon as I came on, I just wanted to make something happen as we were already winning 1-0," explained Teelan.
"It was all about keeping our shape but once Ross got on the wing, I knew the quality he has and he put a lovely ball in for me and I couldn't miss.
"Those runs are hard because you don't want to be offside and I have been offside a few times!
"However, I'm learning and you have to hold your run and thankfully I did.
"We came in knowing that if we put in a good performance that it was only going to build confidence.
"Even at that, it was a good workout fitness wise as they have been training hard and are coming off the back of winning the league.
"Inver Park is a hard place to come, especially with how Larne plays, but I thought we dealt well with that.
"We definitely have one of the strongest squads in the league, we have healthy competition for places and a good mix of experienced and young players."
Sign up to our f ree sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox
