Andy Cale is confident ahead of the new season

The New Saints boss Andy Cale says Welsh Premier League clubs must simply work harder if teams such as his are to make their mark in Europe.

TNS were beaten 2-0 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup first qualifying round by Lithuania's Suduva.

Cale said: "We were desperate to go beyond the first-round, desperate for the club and for Welsh football.

"However, the gap of coming to Europe is a big one to meet and it's up to us in Welsh football to be better."

He added: "We need to improve so we're better-equipped to meet the challenge.

"Reaching the next round would be some reward for the last six, seven, eight or nine years of work we've put in."

Cale is now looking forward with confidence to the new season.

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"We're well-balanced and looking forward to the season. As long as the two or three knocks we picked up against Suduva clear up in the next five to six days we'll hit the season fully fit and ready to go."