Larne manager Gary Haveron has praised the contributions of Tiarnan O'Connor and Paul O'Neill, who scored the goals which sealed a 2-1 comeback win for their side against Ballymena United in Tuesday's Irish Premiership game at the Showgrounds.

Jordan McMullan had given the Sky Blues the lead, before the visiting strikers found the net to secure a valuable three points for Haveron's men in their challenge to clinch the runner-up spot which would guarantee qualification for European football.

"When you take the step up the spotlight is on you and can you cope with it and he's answered it with goals," said Haveron of O'Connor, who joined the league champions from Championship outfit Harland and Wolff Welders in January.

"He's adding to his all-round game as well, He's realising how physical a league it is too, he has picked up a knock and had to come off at half-time."

Former Glentoran and Cliftonville forward O'Neill is also back in goalscoring form.

"You never ever question Paul O'Neill's heart and desire. The lad has got it in spades, he's a great character.

"He's really popular around the training ground and he's been so upbeat even at times when he was struggling with injury. It's been a long frustrating season for him.

"It's great to have him back and among the goals because it's reward for all the work you do behind the scenes."

The Larne boss praised his side's spirit and togetherness which he believes helped them get over the line against the Braidmen.

"We really tried to get the ball down and move it and I thought we did that really well tonight and especially in the first half played some lovely football. I'm delighted to get the three points as coming here is never easy.

"They're a great group of lads. They've taken some knocks this year, criticism by people, but they're playing two games every week relentlessly and they don't shirk it.

"It shows you how tight and galvanised they are as a group, the way they came out fighting. I'm absolutely delighted for them, really proud of them."