Nathan Rooney has been confirmed as the new manager of Irish Premiership champions Larne.

The Blackburn native, 35, was most recently in charge of Gibraltarian team Bruno’s Magpies.

Rooney was identified as Larne’s number one target following the departure of Tiernan Lynch to become Derry City boss last week.

Larne have said Rooney will officially start his role on Friday with Gary Haveron leading the interim management team in Thursday’s Uefa Conference League game away to Olimpija Ljubljana on Thursday.

Rooney’s first game in charge will be Sunday’s league fixture at home to Cliftonville. Larne have also said Haveron will serve as Rooney’s assistant.

“I’m delighted to join such a hardworking football club with such great history,” said Rooney, who has worked at Crawley Town and Carlisle United.

“This has been achieved with a collective effort and an inclusive working environment which I am looking forward to becoming a part of.”