Burns is eager to let good times roll

COLERAINE winger Aaron Burns has admitted he is desperate to earn a fourth Irish Cup winners’ medal as the Bannsiders prepare to take on Larne for a spot in May’s decider.

The 25-year-old made the move from Linfield in January and hopes to help his new teammates taste silverware for the first time since 2003.

Despite Oran Kearney’s side flying high in the Premiership, Burns insists they won’t be underestimating their opponents at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

“We won’t be taking Larne lightly, it’s an Irish Cup semi-final and they are there on merit,” said Burns. “They have produced some big results so far, but we need to make sure they don’t secure another one.

“It’s important that we arrive and produce a professional performance and get the job done.”

The fixture will mark a third successive Irish Cup semi-final for the Banbridge man and he explains that the Coleraine dressing room is still hurt from last year’s final defeat to Linfield — a match in which Burns starred for the Blues.

“This is my third Irish Cup semi-final in three years, so the Irish Cup has been kind to me,” Burns said. “We want to give the fans a big day out, but our only aim now is to beat Larne.

“I think the Irish Cup has shown a pattern in recent years as Glenavon beat Linfield and then Linfield beat Coleraine. Hopefully that trend can continue as I know the players are looking to put last year behind them.”

Burns netted his second goal for Coleraine during last week’s success against Carrick and is relishing fighting for the shirt.

“The competition for places is great here and you know if you aren’t producing the goods, then you will be out,” Burns added. “Oran has a few nice headaches as it is a squad full of talent.”