Premiership leaders Larne are set to receive a major injury boost ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Cliftonville with star striker Andy Ryan “very close” to making his return after six months on the sidelines.

Scottish star Ryan, who scored a memorable hat-trick to help seal Larne’s spot in the Conference League last season, hasn’t featured yet this term after picking up an injury during pre-season.

The 31-year-old joined the Inver Reds from Hamilton in January 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the Irish League’s top talents.

Ryan struck seven times in 14 appearances in the final months of the 2022/23 campaign as Larne secured historic Gibson Cup glory and then netted a further 24 times – the league’s highest – to help them retain the title the following season.

placeholder image — Larne striker Andy Ryan. (Photo by Inpho/Stephen Hamilton)

He followed it up with another 12 in 32 league outings last term, but his biggest contribution was an unforgettable treble in August as Larne defeated Lincoln Red Imps in a Conference League play-off.

Larne have maintained their attacking threat in Ryan’s absence – only Coleraine (43) have scored more goals than Gary Haveron’s men (34) this term – but his return would provide a significant boost as they chase another league crown.

Ryan has returned to full training, and while their Boxing Day victory over Carrick Rangers was deemed too much of a risk, he could be in line to feature against Cliftonville at Inver Park.

"Andy Ryan is very close,” assistant manager Michael O’Boyle told the club’s media channel. “He has returned to training, had a full week of training last week.

"(Friday) probably wasn't the day for Andy to come back on that pitch after six months out, it would have been a big risk. He's in and around it now and it's just whether he can do enough to get a place in the squad."

Larne now sit six points clear of Coleraine at the summit and also hold two matches in hand on the Bannsiders, who they will host on Friday.

Splendid home form has once again been the platform for Larne’s success – Haveron’s side have picked up 26 points from a possible 30 at Inver Park this term and only conceded twice in 10 matches.

Their squad was impacted by sickness ahead of Friday’s 2-1 win at Carrick with the likes of Tomas Cosgrove and Matty Lusty missing out, but O’Boyle is hoping to be closer to full strength when the Reds visit.

"It's three games in a week and it's about making sure everyone recovers well,” he added. “We're trying to get rid of the sickness in camp and get those who have been sick back.

"The positive we do have is we have a few very close to coming back from injury which will help boost the squad."

Striker Paul O’Neill scored Larne’s winner at Taylors Avenue and he’s determined to maintain momentum as the Co Antrim club chase a third Gibson Cup crown.

"It's massive, every game from now until the end of the season is massive,” he said. “If you can pick up points from the teams around us, pick up points at home and earn points (like against Carrick), then we'll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.”