Ronan Hale tipped to reach new heights if cross-water move materialises

Tiernan Lynch has backed Ronan Hale to continue to hit new heights if a move across the water materialises. The Cliftonville striker has been the subject of interest from clubs in England and Scotland after an impressive season last time out.

Ross County have already had a bid turned down by the Reds with Wigan Athletic said to be ready to make their move. Lynch is not surprised by the interest in the player he knows well.

The 25-year-old spent two years at Inver Park before leaving for Solitude in 2022. Lynch said he was always fully aware of the talent Hale possesses and has backed him and the Irish League's other big stars to make their mark across the water if they are given the opportunity.

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“As far as Ronan is concerned, he’s a really naturally talented kid and when he was with ourselves his ability was there for all to see," said the Larne boss. “His goalscoring knack was also there for everyone to see. At the time he just wasn’t getting the game time he wanted and felt maybe he deserved.

“He has proved that if given time on the pitch he will score big and important goals, whether it was for us or now Cliftonville. We saw that in the Irish Cup semi-final and final.

“I have no doubt in my mind that if Ronan went to Scotland or one of the teams in England, if given the time and opportunity to play I think he would do the exact same thing. He’s one of many players in the league that would do the same.

“For me, the biggest thing is how much the league has progressed and the increased professionalism with more full-time training. The gap is not as big and the more we keep promoting the models that gap will close more and more.”

Lynch will go head-to-head with Hale and Cliftonville in the Charity Shield at Inver Park this evening. The Larne boss is relishing the chance to test themselves in a competitive fixture ahead of next week's Champions League qualifier against RFS.

"Great credit to the league and both clubs for doing this to help with preparation for the European games," said Lynch. "We all know how difficult it is to get competitive or decent fixtures ahead of the European campaign.

"With a game like this there's always going to be that little bit of rivalry between the clubs, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. It will probably have a bit more spice than playing a Bala Town or another Welsh team or anybody else.

"There's certain things we've been looking at, working on and trying to improve so there will be elements of that incorporated into Friday night. There will be an opportunity to get people minutes in their legs and there'll also be an opportunity to get a more competitive fixture against top opposition, so it ticks all our boxes.

"It's been great to get back in and they've been having double sessions pretty much every single day and incorporating that between the physical side and technical and tactical sides. So far, so good, but it'll ultimately depend on the results in Europe and that's what will tell the tale."

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