Cliftonville ace Kris Lowe admits sampling a first taste of European football is a major personal motivation as the Danske Bank Premiership draws to a close.
A top-two finish in the Premiership guarantees European football for next season with Cliftonville in pole position to achieve that as they sit second in the standings.
After watching friends at other clubs shine on the European stage, 26-year-old Lowe is hoping to create memories of his own.
“Fighting for trophies and Europe is something that I’ve never really experienced before,” he said.
“For the majority of my career I have been used to a relegation battle or trying to finish as high up in the table as possible, so it’s definitely a change here at Cliftonville.
“I have never played in Europe and as a footballer it is definitely one of my targets.
“A few of my friends at other clubs have played in Europe and they chat about those experiences, the trip away and competing at that level, so hopefully I can do that in the near future also.”
The Omagh native started his career in his hometown before moving to Dungannon Swifts where he made his bow under the eye of Darren Murphy.
“I remember playing for a team called Omagh United and was involved in their youth set-up until the age of 13 when they unfortunately folded,” he added.
“Following that, I moved to Dungannon Swifts and full credit must go to my parents who drove to me to and from training and for matches.
“Back then I was playing as a deep lying midfielder and Darren Murphy gave me my first-team debut at the end of the 2012/13 season against Ballymena United on the final day of the season after coming through the ranks.
“My first start was against Linfield on the opening day of the following campaign and we won 1-0, which I think is the only time I’ve ever beaten the Blues.”
Lowe would pick up silverware in the form of the BetMcLean League Cup under Rodney McAree before being handed a more leadership role when Kris Lindsay took charge.
“I have nothing but nice things to say about Rodney as I believe he took my game to the next level,” he continued.
“He’s a real football man, a great coach, plays football the right way and I know he’s been doing a great job at Glentoran as a coach.
“No matter how long or where Rodney is at I’m sure he will be a success.
“To win the League Cup was a special thing to be a part of as we were the underdogs the whole way through. To be honest, that squad probably underachieved in the league but collecting that silverware was a great highlight and it gave me a taste to win more trophies.
“It has been a catalyst in my career and I want to experience many more days like that.
“After Rodney left and Kris took charge, I felt he put a bit more onus on me in terms of leadership and I was appointed as vice-captain when Ryan Harpur left.
“I was grateful to Kris for putting his trust in me and he also gave me a chance to play central midfield but for whatever reason I just wasn’t playing well but that was on me.”
A phone call in January 2021 would bring an end to Lowe’s stay at Dungannon Swifts after 228 appearances as he joined Cliftonville.
Lowe’s versatility would prove to be a real asset at Solitude as he quickly became one of the first names on the team-sheet.
The move is proving to be a fruitful one as he tasted recent success in the League Cup for the second time in his career.
“I had six months left on my deal but it was a real surprise when Cliftonville made their interest known,” he continued.
“I wasn’t really playing well at Cliftonville, I was in and out of the team but I felt a change was what I needed and to be fair negotiations went pretty quickly.
“I have felt revitalised, I have loved every minute playing under Paddy and we are reaping the rewards of our hard work.
“Winning the League Cup and fighting for the league has been a change in mindset but one that I’ve enjoyed and we know we have a few big games left.
“I don’t mind being a versatile player as it helps get more game time and to be honest when you’re enjoying your football, you don’t mind where you play.”
A phone call in January 2021 would bring an end to Lowe’s stay at Dungannon Swifts after 228 appearances as he joined Cliftonville.
Lowe’s versatility would prove to be a real asset at Solitude as he quickly became one of the first names on the team-sheet.
The move is proving to be a fruitful one as he tasted recent success in the League Cup for the second time in his career.
“I had six months left on my deal but it was a real surprise when Cliftonville made their interest known,” he continued.
“I wasn’t really playing well at Cliftonville, I was in and out of the team but I felt a change was what I needed and to be fair negotiations went pretty quickly.
“I have felt revitalised, I have loved every minute playing under Paddy and we are reaping the rewards of our hard work.
“Winning the League Cup and fighting for the league has been a change in mindset but one that I’ve enjoyed and we know we have a few big games left.
“I don’t mind being a versatile player as it helps get more game time and to be honest when you’re enjoying your football, you don’t mind where you play.”
Lowe’s versatility would prove to be a real asset at Solitude as he quickly became one of the first names on the team-sheet.
The move is proving to be a fruitful one as he tasted recent success in the League Cup for the second time in his career.
“I had six months left on my deal but it was a real surprise when Cliftonville made their interest known,” he continued.
“I wasn’t really playing well at Cliftonville, I was in and out of the team but I felt a change was what I needed and to be fair negotiations went pretty quickly.
“I have felt revitalised, I have loved every minute playing under Paddy and we are reaping the rewards of our hard work.
“Winning the League Cup and fighting for the league has been a change in mindset but one that I’ve enjoyed and we know we have a few big games left.
“I don’t mind being a versatile player as it helps get more game time and to be honest when you’re enjoying your football, you don’t mind where you play.”
