'Who can I sign that's better?': Gary Haveron delight as star striker who 'lives for scoring goals' shines in Coleraine triumph

Ryan missed the opening five months of the current campaign through injury but has wasted no time in showing his prolific goalscoring prowess, netting twice in 12 minutes after being introduced off the bench.

The 31-year-old put Larne ahead from the penalty spot before doubling their advantage moments later.

Paul O’Neill’s late strike ensured maximum points for Haveron’s men, who have now moved seven clear of the second-placed Bannsiders as they look to secure their third Gibson Cup across the last four seasons.

The return of prolific Scottish star Ryan is a major boost for Larne’s title ambitions and Haveron admits he’s like a new signing after a long absence.

"I don't think anybody else was going to take it (penalty) – if he wasn't on the pitch I maybe would have subbed him on for the penalty!” laughed Haveron on the club’s media channel. “Andy has that quality, that composure and he lives for scoring goals.

"People ask if we're going to sign players in January, when you have Andy Ryan coming back having been out for six months, who can I sign that's better? Who can I get that's a better finisher than Andy?

"I'm delighted for him and for the team...they worked so hard for that result and showed their quality throughout."

Friday’s victory extended Larne’s incredible home record with the Co Antrim club now putting together an unbeaten run of 12 matches, collecting 30 points from a possible 36 this season.

They’ve only conceded two goals in that period – the Premiership’s best return – and Haveron praised his side for standing up to the challenge against a talented Coleraine squad.

"When you have a team like Coleraine coming down with the quality they have added to their squad this season and last, you know they're going to come out and have a go and play open football,” he added. “They want to go toe-to-toe with you and that's what they did.

"I felt that lent itself to being a much more attractive game and a more competitive fixture in terms of a better spectacle. I thought we dominated the game, we were the better team from start to finish with the chances we created.

"The only criticism I could have had at half-time was we hadn't taken advantage. Matty Lusty would have scored goal of the season if he had lobbed the goalkeeper, but could he have ran it in and finished it? I said that to him!

"I love the fact Matty is getting himself in goalscoring positions and the goals will come as a result.

"I said to the boys beforehand, regardless of results, if we give everything we possibly can we'll walk off the pitch proud.

"They've made me incredibly proud - their desire was there in spades and when they play like that they're a joy to work with. They're such a good group, such an honest group and they gave a really honest performance."