Former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra was in east Antrim today ahead of Larne’s historic clash with Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Tiernan Lynch’s charges take on the reigning League of Ireland champions in their first ‘home’ tie of the Conference League at Windsor Park on October 24.

The Inver Park outfit became the first Irish League team to secure a berth in the group stages or league format of a European competition when they overcame Lincoln Red Imps 4-3 on aggregate in August.

They made their debut in the league format away to Molde on October 3, falling to a 3-0 defeat in Norway.

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch with Patrice Evra on October 22. (Pic: Larne FC).

placeholder image — Larne manager Tiernan Lynch with Patrice Evra on October 22. (Pic: Larne FC).

Ahead of what will be an historic night for everyone connected with the current Sports Direct Irish Premiership champions on Thursday, former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was in town to meet coaching staff and players.

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The retired player, who won accolades with Monaco, Manchester United and Juventus, was welcomed to Larne’s training facilities at the Larne Academy of Sport in the Seacliff Road area of the town on October 22.

A club spokesperson said: “Welcome to Larne, Patrice Evra.

"Another big name in town to watch the Inver Reds in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

"Patrice is over as a guest of Nico Leonard, one of the club's principal sponsors, Pride & Pinion. He’s a guest in one of the VIP lounges on the night and was at the club's training ground today to spend some time with the club's players and management.”

Tickets for the clash at the National Stadium are still available.

For more information, check out Larne FC’s social media channels.