Ireland flanker Murphy set for his Ulster debut
COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney savoured a stunning 3-0 win at the home of champions Crusaders which took his side top of the Danske Bank Premiership and then insisted there is much more to come from the Bannsiders.
Kearney also revealed that he expects midfielder Brad Lyons to complete a move to Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers this week.
The outstanding Jamie McGonigle netted twice in the second half, adding to Josh Carson’s well taken early opener on a night when dreadful defensive errors cost Crusaders dearly.
“This was the first time this season we have looked like the Coleraine I would expect,” said Kearney, who led the Bannsiders to Irish Cup glory in May.
“Absolutely there is more to come but the key thing is at this stage of the season it is about getting points on the board.”
While it was a tough defeat to take for Stephen Baxter’s men, who pipped Coleraine to the title last season, it was the most satisfactory performance and result of the campaign to date for Kearney and his players, who are now ahead of Linfield on goal difference at the top of the table.
“For a lot of our guys the Irish Cup was the first trophy they won and it’s human nature to let the adulation and everything that comes with it carry over to the start of this season but every game we have played we have looked that little bit more like it,” he said.
“This was by far the best and I hope that is the switch hit and the sign of things to come.
“We have had a lot of battles over the years with Crusaders. We dug in when we needed to and when chances came his way Jamie showed his quality. He is probably the best one-touch finisher I’ve worked with.”
Kearney was also full of praise for the “exceptional” Aaron Canning on his first Coleraine appearance since returning to the club.
As Canning comes in, Lyons is set for a switch to Blackburn. Initially he will go on loan before signing a two-year permanent deal with the option for a third.