It was proudest night of my career, says Kearney

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney has hailed his side’s win over NK Maribor as the “proudest moment” of his career to date.

The Bannsiders produced a mammoth performance to shock the Slovenian side on penalty kicks after the match finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Despite winning a host of medals during his playing career at Linfield, as well as Irish Cup and League Cup successes as Coleraine manager, Kearney believes Thursday night’s win in Slovenia tops the lot as the Bannsiders enter the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

“You come into a game like this with a game plan and you have to have belief in a fixture like this,” he said.

“I think there was also some reality with our belief as we knew how tough it was going to be.

“We had a plan and, to be fair to the players, they stuck to that plan fantastically well.

“I thought our management of the game was really good throughout the 90 minutes, and extra-time in particular.

“I think this is the reason we all love football as you can imagine a game where the underdog can produce something special.

“It will be a night that will live long with my players and for me it will probably go down as the proudest moment of my career.”

The Bannsiders suffered penalty heartache in July as they were beaten by rivals Ballymena United in the semi-final of the Sadlers Peaky Blinder Irish Cup.

However, there was no such problem this time as Kearney’s troops were successful with all five penalties.

“They are a phenomenal bunch and we know that from working with them and through the success the club has had in recent years,” Kearney continued.

“We know the mindset that the players have and we are so proud of them, and particularly I think people in our country will know that in the Irish Cup semi-final we were put out on penalties. We probably hit four or five of the worst penalties that you could ever imagine and I think we showed a huge amount of character that each and every one of them stepped up and hit a superb penalty.

“That just shows mindset of the group.”

The draw for the second qualifying round will take place on Monday afternoon and with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers and AC Milan as potential opponents, Kearney insists the club are looking forward to seeing who they will face on September 17.

“For our club, the last time we progressed through one round in Europe was maybe the old Intertoto Cup 17 or 18 years ago,” he added. “We were delighted to progress through the prelim

you

the inary round and we came here hungry to achieve even more.

“The reward now to get through another round is fantastic for the club and we look forward to the draw next week.

“It is nice, and it is a privilege, I suppose, to be in that position for our club as it is uncharted territory, but one we are very proud of.”

Kearney was joined by his son Luca on the trip to Slovenia and the pair embraced each other at the end of the fixture.

“He is football crazy so it has been a fantastic experience for him,” former St Mirren boss Kearney concluded.

“The whole reason to bring him out here was to try and fulfil his love for the game, and number two to create a memory that will live with him for a very long time.”

• NORTHERN Ireland international Chloe Mccarron has been confirmed as a Birmingham City player, signing for the Women’s Super League side from Linfield on a two-year contract as revealed by the Belfast Telegraph on Wednesday.

During her time at Windsor Park Mccarron helped Linfield win three Danske Bank Women’s Premiership titles and won the League Cup in 2018.