'No extra motivation required' for Larne in their quest to reach another County Antrim decider

The Inver Reds held a firm grip of the Shield in four successive years from 2020-21 to 2023-24.

However, they were beaten in last year’s decider on penalties as Glentoran finally ended Larne’s dominance of the regional competition.

Local rivals Carrick Rangers now stand in their way of yet another appearance in the showpiece decider, and Haveron knows they will have to be at their best if they are to triumph at Taylors Avenue.

"There will be no extra motivation required,” he told Larne’s social media platforms.

"It's a semi-final of the Shield...we want to progress and go into the next round the same way they will do.

"We'll have to be prepared and be at our best to get a result.

"It's never an easy place to go...Taylors Avenue is a very, very difficult venue to go to.

"Stephen (Baxter) will have his team really well set up for the game as well.

"We know it's going to be a tough ask but we know when we're on top form, we're more than a match for anybody in this league.

"I just can't wait to play the next game and watch more of our boys play.”

Larne come into the clash in good form having won six out of their last seven games in all competitions.

That has resulted in the Inver Reds moving up to second in the Premiership standings, as well as reaching the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup.

Despite a team effort yielding those results, Haveron paid special praise to one of his strikers in particular.

He explained: “Paul O’Neill’s done ever so well since coming back.

"Paul was involved in all three games within a space of week having spent a lengthy time and that there on the sidelines with a suspension and an injury.

"He was frustrated he didn’t score against Portadown but I thought his all-round performance was excellent.”

Carrick – like Larne – weren’t in action last weekend after their game away at Glentoran on Friday was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.