By 
December
DECEMBER – ANDREW SCOTT (SOCCER)
Andrew Scott has hit the ground running since returning to Northern Ireland after his release by Accrington Stanley, with whom he played for two seasons. The 20-year-old from Castlederg signed a two-year full-time contract with the Inver Park outfit who are battling for the Danske Bank Premiership title this term. And his move to Larne has already proved fruitful as he helped Tiernan Lynch’s outfit to the County Antrim Shield title. Scott played his part in victories over Glenavon and champions Linfield as the ‘Harbour Rats’ got their hands on the coveted piece of silverware at the end of the year.
Voting Opens Tuesday 2nd March
2020 Ulster Herald Sports Personality Awards in association with MFC Sports, LIVE winners reveal Wednesday 10th March, 7pm
Andrew Scott was featured in the Ulster Herald on Thursday, January 28, 2021
Great Scott relishing life at Larne
BY TOMMY NETHERY
It says something about Larne Football Club that Andrew Scott saw a move to Inver Park as key to his ambitions to secure a full-time career in football. When the 20-year-old parted company with Accrington Stanley at the end of last season after two years at the League One club, Scott had been made a number of offers to play further down the pyramid in England.
However when Larne came knocking on his door offering him a two-year full-time contract to play in the Danske Bank Premiership it was too good an offer to turn down.
A number of other Premiership clubs had declared an interest but Scott insists it was a no brainer to sign on the dotted line for Tiernan Lynch’s outfit. Scott wanted to remain in fulltime football and Larne offered him that opportunity. And so far the gifted attacker has made the most of it by establishing himself in the Inver Park first team in a matter of months.
It’s that rapid progress and the part he played in victories over Glenavon and champions Linfield which has culminated in Scott deservedly being named the Ulster Herald Sports Personality of the month for December.
Scott believes the win against the Blues was a real statement on intent. “One hundred per cent, I think we put down a marker that evening,” he said.
“It was the manner in which we went about, it was comfortable and there were few arguments about the result. We have talked about making Inver Park a fortress this season and that victory underlined what we are trying to achieve.
“Everything was going well with regard to our home form until the recent game against Ballymena United (a 1-0 defeat)!”
That reverse – Larne’s only defeat of the season thus far – allowed Linfield to leapfrog the early pacesetters into pole position and following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Crusaders on Saturday, the Blues defeated Warrenpoint Town to move four points clear of Scott and his team-mates.
However the Derg lad insists there is no sense of panic and he believes that Larne will give David Healy’s men a real run for their money.
“There is no question this club is heading in the right direction,” he continued. “This time last year Crusaders beat us 3-0 and while we should have had the Crues dead and buried by half-time a point at Seaview is nothing to be sniffed at.
“We have no worries on that score, there is real quality in this squad and we’ll maintain the challenge.”
In fact, many would argue that Larne has the best squad in the entire league, not to mention the fact that all their players are fulltime.
The club has also established a full-time academy and developments are on going at the club’s stadium. The ambitious Larne project
is largely financed by local businessman made good, Kenny Bruce, the owner of the online estate agency Purplebricks, but Scott insists the progress at Larne isn’t just about the money.
“No stone is left unturned in everything they do. It’s so professional and everything is just top notch. That’s down to everything they do, training, nutrition, the whole lot. It’s player led.”
If there is a downside for Scott it’s the fact that he faces an extremely tough challenge to nail down a regular spot in the first team, given the quality squad of established pros Lynch has recruited in recent seasons.
Game time has been largely limited to cameo appearances off the bench but the former Tyrone SuperCupNI player believes if he continues to work hard that his time will come. There is, of course, an upside to training day in day out with some of the best players in the country.
“You are challenging yourself every day when training alongside the likes of Mark Randall, Davy McDaid, Jeff Hughes and Marty Donnelly. Marty doesn’t quite have the legs any more but he still has the brain.
“I’m picking up bits and pieces all the time, it’s a great learning curve. In my experience the set up at Larne is more professional that plenty of set-ups across the water. “
I know since joining the club I have noticed a big difference personally. I was telling some of the lads the other day that I feel stronger and sharper now that I have done at any point in my career. If I keep working hard I’ll get there.”
Scott, who also played for the Northern Ireland under-21s at the tail-end of last year, may get more opportunities over the coming weeks as Premiership clubs are scheduled to play two games a week during February.
“We’ll be playing Saturday and Tuesday for a number of weeks so it goes without saying that the manager will be looking to rest players and freshen things up.
“A hectic programme might also be an advantage for teams like ourselves, the Linfields and Glentorans, with full-time players and more strength in depth,” he said.
And
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.