'Nothing short of unbelievable': Former Larne star praise for job done by 'great man' Gary Haveron

Many wondered how the Inver Reds would respond to their crushing Conference League play-off exit to Lincoln Red Imps – but the answer has been emphatic with consecutive league wins over Glentoran and Bangor.

Larne have collected three Premiership titles across the past four seasons, including a first under hometown hero Haveron last term.

Haveron, a former manager of Carrick Rangers and Glentoran, stepped up from his assistant role to take over the top job after Nathan Rooney’s shock exit.

The 45-year-old masterminded Larne’s charge for Gibson Cup glory, winning 25 and drawing seven of his 37 games in charge, with an 18-match unbeaten run between October 18 and February 10 setting the platform.

"I know the guy personally, I've worked with him for years...he's a great, great man,” said McDaid. “He knows the game of football and the job he has done is nothing short of unbelievable.

"He really did come in out of the cold...with Nathan leaving, it was a shock and people were asking ‘who's next?’. I don't think Gary was the top contender to take the job.

"But he goes into the league and wins it against an unbelievable Coleraine team, neither of them really dropped points throughout the year.

"It was very good from Gary and the staff...his backroom staff have been brilliant as well. Gary deserves massive credit.”

Larne are undoubtedly title contenders once again and will look to continue an unbeaten start to the season against Portadown, who sit bottom of the table without a point, on Saturday.

Coleraine will likely provide their toughest challenge while Linfield have won four consecutive matches following an opening day defeat.

McDaid insists it’s too early to call the Gibson Cup’s final destination – but believes former clubs Larne and Coleraine have now got used to the winning feeling.

"I think (Jose) Mourinho used to be the best at it – when his teams didn't play that well, they always found a way to win,” added McDaid. “I think winning is a by-product of winning, it becomes a habit.

"When you have a habit of winning, you find a way to win, and Larne seem to have that the last few years.

"That's probably where Coleraine are going to be now after winning the Irish Cup, they're used to winning, getting that winning feeling.

"You'll not know who's going to win a league title until usually around January time...it's way too early to write off Glentoran.

"I think Linfield will love the fact that they’re underdogs...it's definitely a lot easier being an underdog than having a target on your back.

"No one started talking about Larne until maybe December last year, they just went under the radar and kept winning.

"I think Coleraine have probably taken the limelight again this year with how they started.

"They blew Crusaders away in 10 minutes, and, to be fair, they could have done the same against Portadown.

"Football is a funny game and no medals are handed out in September.”