Larne: The journey from second-tier strugglers to Premiership champions

That European disappointment came after a summer during which a major name left the club, in striker Davy McDaid, and another one arrived from Ballymena United, Leroy Millar, who has proved to be an outstanding signing for Lynch.

A box-to-box, all-action, strong-running central midfielder, the capture of the ex-Sky Blues captain was seen as an example of a more pragmatic tactical approach being taken by Lynch – who now had Gary Haveron by his side in the dug-out – who had at times been criticised for an over-reliance on a purely possession-based system.

Allied with the arrival for a six-figure sum halfway through last season of much-sought-after young striker Lee Bonis, the pair played a major role in Larne surging to the top of the table for a two-week spell in October and returning to the summit for six weeks midway through November.

With Cian Bolger’s huge presence at the back ensuring Larne have by far the best defensive record in the league, more clever business in January – with the acquisitions of Joe Thomson, Michal Glynn and Andy Ryan – injected further energy to the Invermen, who went top again on 10 February and have remained there since.

A shock Irish Cup semi-final defeat by Ballymena United could have had a damaging impact on their title tilt just before the Irish Premiership split, but hugely impressive wins over Glentoran and Cliftonville sent a clear message that Larne would not be deterred.

And they weren’t. And so, now, almost five years after Bruce’s song request was made, the Inver Park DJ can get that Champions League music ready.