Larne assistant Gary Haveron believes Inver Park boss Tiernan Lynch wants to continue the job of turning the club into “something very special” despite links to the vacant position at St Johnstone.

The Scottish Premiership side have been searching for a new boss after Craig Levein was sacked five games into the campaign last week with former Northern Ireland striker Andy Kirk presently in interim charge.

Lynch has been reported to be in the frame for the permanent job at the Perth club, along with Ayr United boss Scott Brown and Aberdeen assistant Peter Leven.

The former Glentoran assistant has led Larne to back-to-back Irish Premiership titles and made history this season by making it through the qualifying rounds of the Uefa Conference League.

After watching their side beat Loughgall 2-0 at Inver Park on Tuesday evening, Haveron said of the St Johnstone links: “I can’t say I’m surprised. My only surprise is that he’s not linked with more clubs.

“What he has done at this football club and what he does on a daily basis is phenomenal. He’s a great manager.”

But former Carrick and Glens boss Haveron added that he does not think Lynch is finished with Larne “by any stretch”.

“I’ve been lucky to work with some great managers and he’s right up there at the very top,” he said.

“He’s relentless in his pursuit of getting this club where we are and that’s had a lot to do with him.

“Yes, he’s had the backing of the owner, but he’s had the vision and the drive to take us to where we are now and I don’t think he’s finished by any stretch.

“I think he wants to continue to make this club into something very special.”