From now, we must play every game as if it's our last.

That rallying cry came from defender Ivan Lovric as the Warriors enter the final third of the season nine points behind leaders Etoile FC.

He said: "We can do better and I hope we make a comeback. In the beginning of the season, we had many injury problems. Now, we must play every game as if it's our last and hope that other teams make mistakes."

The Croatian, who just turned 25 on Sunday (July 11), believes that the arrival of his countryman and namesake Ivan Jerkovic, formerly with DPMM of Brunei, has helped stabilise the Warriors' ship.

Said Lovric, who had played with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur defender Vedran Corluka in age groups: "I know (Jerkovic) from before. We trained under the same fitness coach and also, we are from the same city, Split. Everything's positive about him, and I say this, not because he is my friend, but because he has the experience and you can see that he gives the team a postive effect."

Lovric, who came under the recommendation of former Warriors' captain Nenad Bacina, believes the Warriors can still make a late claim to retain their crown and it will certainly help if his defensive partner Daniel Bennett returns from injury.

He said: "Bennett is important for the team and I hope he comes back soon. Everyone is fighting and we need him to be back at this stage.

"There may be a big difference in points between us and Etoile, but if we keep fighting in every game, what happens in the end, we won't know. In football, anything can happen."

Coming over to Asia may be a big leap for him, but Lovric has settled down well in Singapore. In his free time, he can be found enjoying a cup of coffee or shopping.

Lovric hopes he can achieve his target - to win trophies - which he had set for himself when he signed for the Warriors.

When asked about his plans for next season, he said: "I have many plans, but in life, you can't plan, you never know what will happen. This is life. But I hope to stay and bring trophies and joy to the club and fans."