Acid test for new Gers boss Haveron

And, as matches go, it couldn’t be a more daunting away assignment against Dundela in his first match as boss of Carrick Rangers.

“They are flying high, scoring stacks of goals and not conceding many. They are clearly a very good team and we will have to play well to defeat them,” stressed the Rangers boss.

“They brought in four or five Glentoran players during the summer and I know big centre half Kyle Owens from his time here at Carrick, while I played against the legend that is Michael Halliday many times in my Irish League days.

“They are bristling with quality and experience and they play a very entertaining and exciting, not to mention effective, brand of football. So, yes, there is no question that Carrick getting a result on Saturday is a big ask.

“However, all we can do is focus on our own game and ensure our attitude is spot-on and give our all. Certainly, going into a match against the league leaders is a situation which will inject tremendous motivation into the team.

“The loss of the suspended Ryan McCann and Richard Gibson is a bit of a blow, of course. They are both key players with great experience and provide excellent options. But it gives othera chance to show what they are made of.

“I think I have the core of the starting side in my mind, but there are a number of positions up for grabs and a lot will depend on the attitude of players during training.”