'It was such a big injury': Gary Haveron praise for Larne's 'inspirational character' ahead of title-deciding weekend
Larne boss Gary Haveron has hailed Leroy Millar as “a fantastic role model” after recovering from serious injury to play an important part in another Premiership title push.
Millar was named NIFWA Premiership Player of the Year for his role in Larne’s historic maiden Gibson Cup triumph in 2023 and followed it up by scoring eight league goals as Tiernan Lynch’s side defended their crown.
However, the 30-year-old missed the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign with a groin injury before returning in October against Dungannon Swifts, who will provide the opposition in Saturday’s final fixture of the season.
Millar’s comeback coincided with Larne putting together an 18-match unbeaten league run which set the platform for a vital three-point lead they hold entering a title decider at Inver Park.
The former Ballymena United star’s involvement has been limited in recent weeks after he was sent off in February’s draw with Linfield before picking up another minor injury issue.
He registered his first appearance in almost a month during last Friday’s draw with Glentoran – a result which means Larne enter this weekend requiring just one point to seal a third title across the past four seasons.
Millar signed a new three-year contract extension in December and Haveron believes he’s the perfect role model for the club’s young stars.
"He's such an influential player for us,” said Haveron. “We've nursed him back this year.
"Great credit to the medical department, we've got Callum Critchley, Mick O'Boyle and all the boys who look after him.
"They really had to nurse him through a long period of trying to find his feet and get back to it because it was such a big injury and he missed so much football.
"To have him back, to have his energy, to have his presence, to have his personality in and around our group, I just run out of good things to say about Leroy Millar.
"He's just a fantastic role model. My son (Alfie Mulvenna) had a wee injury and he's been in there doing rehab with Leroy, I just think there's not a better person you could possibly pick to go in a gym with and listen to and see how he works.
"Leroy's an inspirational character to me as much as anybody else.”