Former Gunner secures European qualifier spot | OneFootball

Larne FC have secured a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, with former Gunner Jordan McEneff playing a key role for the team this season.

Photo via LarneFC.com

Despite missing out on the league title and the chance to qualify for the Champions League, Larne FC went into the last game of the 2024/25 NIFL Premiership campaign with something still to play for.

A second-place finish would mean progression to the Europa Conference League qualifiers, but Larne were playing against Glentoran, who could leapfrog them into second with a final-day win.

Former Arsenal academy midfielder Jordan McEneff joined Larne in August, playing in the Conference League group stages this season. After that first taste of European football for the 24-year-old, he wouldn’t want to miss out next year.

Photo via McEneff on Instagram

Fortunately, Larne secured the draw they needed to finish second in the table, with Glentoran dropping into the European play-off places.

“Long season finished and [European football] secured,” McEneff wrote on social media after the game.

Larne will enter the qualifiers in the first round, so they still have a way to go to reach the competition proper. But they’ve been through that process once already this season, so they’ll back themselves to reach the League Phase once again.

Photo via McEneff on Instagram

McEneff has made 38 appearances for Larne this season, largely playing in a central midfield role, but also operating in a wider midfield position at times.

The former Gunner even played one Conference League game up front for Larne this season, providing an assist against Swiss side FC St. Gallen.

Larne ultimately only won one of their six European League Phase games in 2024/25, so that’s something to build on for next year.