25-04-2025
Larne expect 'best version of Glentoran'
Larne boss Gary Haveron said his side are "preparing to face the best version of Glentoran" during Saturday's final round of Irish Premiership side occupy second place in the table and know a draw against third-place Glentoran at Inver Park will be enough to seal the runners-up spot and automatic European can still snatch second and avoid the play-offs with a win and Haveron believes his side must treat the game like a cup final."That has to be the mentality going into it, it's a winner takes all game, yes we can get a draw, but we never set the team up to draw, and Saturday will not be any different," he told BBC Sport NI."We know what we're going to face with the Glens, they're a quality side and we're preparing for the best version of Glentoran to come to Inver Park."The Larne boss admitted it has been a "long, long season" due to the club's participation in the league phase of the Uefa Conference League that left them playing catch-up in the Irish he believes clinching the runners-up spot and getting back into Europe without having to go through the play-offs would be the perfect way to round off a historic season."Given the season we have had, it would be nice to get it [European qualification] wrapped up on Saturday. It has been incredibly tough at times and there has been a lot of learning," he added."The European campaign, I wouldn't have changed for the world, it was unbelievable to be a part of. We want to create more memories and get back into Europe."It's very much still in our hands; we have clawed ourselves back to second and that is where we aim to stay."
