LARNE FC: Striker Keke brings french connection to Inver Park

Originally from Paris, Keke, who won the supporters’ Player of the Month award for September and is studying to be a personal trainer, has proved a real handful for defences. He netted his first hat-trick for Larne in the 6-1 success at Donegal Celtic.

He made an instant impact on the Larne faithful when he found the net on his debut during the League Cup defeat to Portadown in August.

“I am enjoying my football as I am playing a lot instead of waiting on the bench for my chance. Everyone has made me very welcome and it is like a family at the club,” the 24-year-old Frenchman told the Times.

“It is nice to be scoring goals but I would always prefer that the team is winning even if I don’t score. This is the most important thing.”

Larne manager Davy McAlinden has been impressed by the contribution of the young striker who has shown he is capable of filling the void left by the free-scoring Ciaran Murray who moved to Solitude on transfer deadline day.

“He has got all the raw attributes and we are just trying to polish them up. He has a great attitude and peace of mind who wants to do well,” he said.

“If you ask him to do anything at training he just smiles and gets on with it. He is a great team player who knows when to go and smash the ball into the net and when to look up and play it back. On Saturday against Donegal Celtic he was a threat throughout the game.”