Former Irish League striker Chris Morgan says it would be "incredible for the Irish League" if Larne won their first Premiership title this season - but insists there are plenty of hurdles to clear before the Gibson Cup is handed out.
Tiernan Lynch's men sit firmly in the box seat following Saturday's 2-1 win over Cliftonville.
They now lead the table by three points, and have the chance to extend that advantage when they play their game in hand against Ballymena United on Tuesday night.
Read more: Irish Premiership live score updates from Saturday's games
Win that and Larne will hold a healthy six-point lead with just nine games remaining this season.
Morgan knows what it takes to get over the line, having won the Gibson Cup with three different clubs during his own playing career.
And while he accepts Larne are in an enviable position as we reach the business end of the season, he also says the pressure will start mounting on the history-chasers.
Morgan told BBC Sportsound: "They haven't been in this position, this club hasn't been in this position. When you look at the transformation of this club, I think it would be incredible for the Irish League if Larne went on to win it, in terms of what they're doing on and off the pitch.
"But it's always difficult for a team to win that first league trophy. For this squad of players it is important to do it, but three points away to Ballymena and suddenly they're in a really strong position."
Goals from Leroy Millar and Andy Ryan secured Saturday's home win over second place Cliftonville.
There were some nervy moments at the end after Jonny Addis scored a late reply for the visitors, but Lynch's side held firm to claim a massive win.
"Larne have got a combination of what they had before, which was quite expansive, passing through the thirds and comfortable playing it out," Morgan added.
"And they have tweaked that, and have added a little bit of Irish League grit and running power and physicality and they look as they have the combination really good.
"They impressed me today, and they controlled the game for long periods. I was chatting to the Larne chairman Gareth Clements, and that last little part of the game where they conceded might be more important to them than easing to a 2-0 win.
"Sometimes to go in and realise you had to dig in, you realise you have it within you. And every box they tick will give them more belief and confidence."
Morgan admits this season's title race has been enthralling, with any of the top six laying down genuine claims for the Gibson Cup.
"Crusaders are right in amongst it now, and it is a fascinating campaign," he said.
"Coleraine's defeat today, have they run their race? Glentoran are sixth but maybe they are second or third favourites.
"And their run to the split is virtually against the bottom six, albeit they have to play Cliftonville.
"The top six are showing why they are there, any one of six can win it. Larne in the box seat but it's whether they can cope with that.
"Linfield can carry that burden, other teams can maybe carry it. What happens when people start saying 'it's Larne's to lose'?"
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