High-five for Maguire

“Yes, that is the best I have done and it would have been nice to get six and we had chances to do it,” he said.

“We are really looking forward to the League starting but we are a very young side and, believe it or not, since Davy Henry left, I am now the oldest member of the squad.”

Asked about the pre-season fixtures, Maguire added: “The results might have been a bit disappointing, but it was all about getting used to the new system of playing and getting the players to bond so that made it worthwhile.

“I don’t want to speak too soon, but I think we will do alright in the League. As I said, we are a young side but they are a great bunch of lads so we can’t wait for the Ards game.”

Maguire capped an excellent weekend with news that he has been selected for the NI East Region squad which will be playing in Macedonia at the end of August.

Another Larne player, Andy Simms, is on the standby squad so may still be involved. The team will travel to Macedonia on August 28 and their first match will be against Sweden on August 30.

They will have another rest day on the Friday before playing Wales on the Saturday. Their final game is against Macedonia on the Tuesday.

Manager Harry McConkey said: “Paul Maguire has impressed me in the warm-up games and I am looking forward to seeing him against what will be tough opposition in the tournament. The players will be part of a very professisonal set-up and their character and attitude is as important as their ability.

“If we top our group, we will qualify for the next stage of the Uefa Regions’ Cup, but we would also have an outside chance if we finish as one of the top runners-up,” added McConkey.

Report by Paul Campbell