Rooney favourite to replace Lynch as Larne manager

Nathan Rooney has emerged as the favourite to become the new manager of Irish Premiership side Larne.

The Englishman is currently in charge of Gibraltarian team Bruno's Magpies.

Rooney was identified as Larne's number one target following the departure of Tiernan Lynch to become Derry City boss earlier this week.

The 35-year-old has helped improve the fortunes of Magpies, including securing qualification for European club competition.

Rooney's side knocked Derry City out in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League in July, 3-2 the aggregate score, before losing 8-1 over two legs to FC Copenhagen in the next round.

Lynch's tenure at Larne saw the Invermen clinch the first Irish League titles in their history in the form of back-to-back Premiership crowns.

He also led the east Antrim club into the league stages of a major European competition, breaking new ground for an Irish League side.