'World is available' to Larne on European debut - Bruce

Larne have gone from the Championship to European football in the space of five years under Kenny Bruce's ownership

Owner Kenny Bruce says "the world is available" to Larne ahead of their historic debut in the Uefa Conference League.

Larne will become the first Irish Premiership club to feature at this level of European competition when they face Molde.

Since taking over in 2017, boyhood fan turned businessman Bruce has helped build the club to this level from the second tier.

Despite going into the match as underdogs, Bruce believes that "anything is possible" for his side.

"It's a historic moment and we're all super-proud as a club and a community," Bruce told BBC Sport NI.

"I don't think that anything should be off our radar. We should try our hardest as a football club to keep our feet on the floor but also shoot for the stars.

"Playing here in this wonderful stadium against a very, very good Norwegian side in Molde, we see the world being available to us."

Bruce credits manager Tiernan Lynch, who "sold me the dream" of turning Larne from a Championship side into European contenders.

"He came to me and said he thinks that all of this is achievable for a Northern Irish football club and why can't it be Larne?

"He said, 'with the right investment and the right support then I believe I can do this with my brother and coaching team if we recruit the right players'.

"We have built towards this and we have got closer and closer. We see this as being a representation of the Irish League and proving Irish League teams can compete at this level."

Lynch can go 'right to the top'

Bruce admitted that playing on the European stage is "an incredible opportunity" for players to showcase their ability to a new audience.

Manager Lynch had been heavily linked to a move to SPL side St Johnstone in Scotland in the lead up to the game, and although that move fell through Bruce admits it is only a matter of time.

"It could lead to management going across the water as well," Bruce added.

"That doesn't frighten us, we embrace change and we look forward to us being successful in the future as well."

Bruce added that he feels that Lynch can go "right to the very top" in football management and he would support any move for the man who has been his only manager since buying the club in 2017.

"He is a very intelligent, articulate and hard working guy who has a level of intensity that I've never seen inside a football club.

"If that opportunity comes and it's right for him and his family, then I would absolutely support him in that."