Gary Haveron expecting Larne star to make injury return in crunch Linfield clash

The Inver Reds are now 10 points clear of second-placed Coleraine, cementing their status as favourites to collect a third Gibson Cup across the last four seasons.

Haveron’s side have put together a 14-game unbeaten Premiership run since suffering their last defeat to Dungannon Swifts on October 4 and could open up a whopping gap of 19 points to Linfield, who occupy fourth spot, with victory at Windsor Park.

Donnelly has been an ever-present in Larne’s team since returning from suspension and played a key role in both of their previous title triumphs, lifting the Premiership in his first campaign after arriving from Cliftonville in 2022.

The 25-year-old has racked up 30 or more league appearances in each of his three full seasons at Inver Park, but missed Tuesday’s trip to the Glens as he manages an injury.

"It was precautionary,” Haveron told the club’s media channel. “He felt a bit tight and pushed through the Coleraine game...maybe I pushed him a little bit too quick.

"He’s fine and he will be OK for Friday night. We had to pick and choose which game he was going to play and we felt the extra few days would do him the world of good. We’re expecting him back for Friday night.”

Tomas Cosgrove captained Larne to their maiden Premiership title in 2023 and has once again been appointed club captain this season.

He scored his first league goal of the campaign in Tuesday’s 4-1 win, where Paul O’Neill struck twice, and insists nobody at the club is getting carried away with their current position.

"I don’t think the boys dwell on things, we leave that to the coaching staff,” he said. “The boys just keep ticking off the games and they come thick and fast at this time of year.

"We just need to keep going, ticking them off and see where it takes us. I don’t think any of the boys would know (how long the unbeaten run has been).

"It’s boring to say, but you take it one game at a time. There’s no point looking too far into the future, you’re only as good as your next game.

"It’s football, I’ve seen so many crazy things happen, so its just one game at a time. The experienced boys who have been there and done it, they guide the young boys through.”

While Larne are enjoying a long unbeaten run, Linfield have won just one of their last five league matches and are coming off a stalemate with Carrick Rangers where midfielder Josh Archer was sent off.

David Healy has bolstered his ranks with the arrival of former Waterford defender Darragh Leahy on an 18-month contract, but knows his side face a stern challenge.

"We have to keep battling,” he said. “We play the leaders, the potential champions in Larne on Friday.

"It presents a challenge. We’ll assess the squad we have. Hopefully Ben (Hall) will be alright, he will probably need stitches in his head.”