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

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

Rooney has been identified as Larne’s number one target following Tiernan Lynch’s departure to become Derry City boss earlier this week.

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

Rooney’s side knocked out Derry City in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round in July, 3-2 on aggregate, before losing 8-1 in a two-legged tie against FC Copenhagen in the next round. .

Lynch’s tenure at Larne saw the Invermen win 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 championship stages of a major European competition, breaking new ground for an Irish League team.