Gary Haveron unfazed by outside noise after questions over Larne's title bid during winless run

The Inver Reds put together an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak to charge to the Irish League’s summit before that was ended by consecutive defeats to Portadown and Carrick Rangers last month.

Some questioned on social media whether Larne’s title bid had been derailed, but Haveron’s men got back on track by beating Ballymena United 2-0 on Saturday thanks to a pair of Andy Ryan penalties.

Having been part of Tiernan Lynch’s coaching staff as the Co Antrim club won consecutive Gibson Cup crowns, Haveron knows what it takes to succeed in Northern Ireland’s top-flight – as do many of his players, who have collected league medals.

As Larne look to turn their current points advantage into a third Premiership title across the past four seasons, Haveron’s full focus is on Larne, rather than matters elsewhere.

Last weekend proved to be a positive one for Larne with Coleraine, who sat second, losing out to Dungannon Swifts before Linfield were beaten 2-0 by Cliftonville on Sunday.

In an unpredictable league, Haveron knows the value of consistency and momentum, and hopes to continue building in Friday’s Irish Cup quarter-final showdown with Glentoran.

"I try not to listen to too many on social media because there are so many experts on social media nowadays, they've all got something to say,” he said. "We just focus on what we can control and that's our level of performance, our preparation and everything else.

"This league is very, very difficult, anybody is capable of beating anybody. But you've got to get that level of consistency about you, we've learned that ourselves.

"Even a fraction off, teams are capable of punishing you. I don't really worry about too many other teams, just worry about ourselves.”

Since making his injury return in late-December, star striker Ryan has scored eight goals in 10 Premiership matches.

The 31-year-old remains on track to register double-figure league goals for a third consecutive season and has provided a boost to Larne’s ranks at a crucial stage of the campaign.

It was Ryan who kept his cool from the penalty spot to salvage a late point in Larne’s last clash against rivals Glentoran, and just like his boss, the Scottish ace is paying no attention to outside noise – good or bad.

"Even when we were on that good run and the noise, that’s all it is really, outside noise,” Ryan told the club’s media channel. “We have a focused and determined group in there and we focus on our job.

"The biggest thing is the experienced players take a grip of the situation. We have players who have done it once, twice, and it’s important that they help the younger ones or ones who haven’t done it before, that is happening.

"It’s another game, it’s another competition that we want to do well in. It’s good to get a wee break from the league, but we still want to go there and win.”