When it comes to superstitions and competitions, Wandsworth star Aaron McKibbin will never be offering anyone the shirt off his back.

McKibbin, who won table tennis (class six to eight) team bronze at the London 2012 Paralympics, goes to Italy this weekend hunting for European Para Table Tennis Championship gold in the singles (class eight).

The 22-year-old is looking to improve on his last European outing in 2011, where he finished fourth in the singles.

However, following his performance in the Olympics, as well as a golden display at the China Para Open last year, he is in confident mood.

McKibbin is a firm believer that a confident approach is a big part of overcoming any opponent, but then so is his superstition.

He said: “I always change my shirt before a match, I don’t how it started happened – I did it and I started to play well so I kept doing it.

“When you warm up, you get sweaty, and I like a fresh top before I play. It also gives me a little time to reflect before a match, when you have a moment to yourself and get in the zone.”

He added: “Some people have weird superstitions – I know people who use the same toilet, so what happens if you cannot get into the toilet?

“I’ve known people who have been standing waiting to get into a cubicle because it is the one they have to use.”

The mood in the GB camp ahead of flying out on Wednesday is one of eager anticipation, and a belief that preparation has gone as well as it could.

Moreover, McKibbin and co will be drawing on their experience over the past few years to boost their chances of success.

“Although we’re young, we know what to expect. No one is feeling tense going into this because we all went through London 2012 where the pressure was huge,” he said.

“There is less pressure in the Euros, it is more about the excitement of it and we’re looking forward to getting out there.”

He added: “I believe in myself and my ability to perform, I believe I have prepared well enough. I do not fear any player in my class.

“If you go in to a competition thinking ‘I don’t want to play this player or that player’, then you are setting yourself up to lose.

“If you get the draw you don’t want, then you are going into it in a negative mindset. Everyone in the squad is feeling confident about beating anyone on their day.”

The European Para Table Tennis Championships run from September 28 to October 5, in Lignano, Italy.