Linfield legend Glenn Ferguson believes the Wee Blues 'have a target on our backs' at this week's SuperCupNI.
The club's Under 13s kicked off their Minor campaign with a battling 3-1 win over Larne on Monday morning.
All of the goals arrived in the first half, with Linfield scoring all of theirs from direct free-kicks.
Read more: SuperCupNI 2022: McClean hails Co Antrim heroes after win over Leeds
Ferguson admits he was surprised by Larne's "physical approach" to the game, but praised his side for getting their SuperCupNI campaign off to a winning start.
"I just said to the boys in the centre circle, as soon as you put on the blue jersey people want to beat you. It could be a friendly, 5-a-sides or a SuperCupNI game," said Ferguson, Linfield's head of academy.
"Larne came out with their own intentions. They probably know we are better team football wise, so they came out with the physical element.
"But our guys stood up to that and saw it through."
Ferguson added: "It is good for the lads. First match and a win under our belts.
"It was a physical encounter which you don't usually expect from Larne. But they came out with a game plan and stuck to it.
"There were some feisty challenges but the lads stood up to the test. We got the three goals in the first half and got the win.
"We soon realised we were in for a physical battle and they had to prove they can handle themselves."
The Minor section (Under 13) is a relatively new age group at the SuperCupNI.
Greenisland won the inaugural running in 2018 before Glentoran claimed the title one year later.
Ferguson says LInfield would love to add their name to the trophy.
"You don't enter a competition not to win it. We want to win everything we go into," he said.
"Our wee team did well last season, winning the league and two cups. So we have come here with expectations.
"But other teams have strengthened and have their own expectations. We might face teams we don't usually play, so there is that element of the unknown."
READ NEXT
- SuperCupNI Monday fixtures as youth tournament kicks off
- SuperCupNI 2022 fixtures, venues and kick-off times
- Rangers teen Charlie Lindsay nets top player award at Plzen Tournament
- Rangers midfielder Steven Davis hailed for turning "groans" into plaudits after seaside cameo
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
