Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
AARON GIANT
Burns signing a coup for Coleraine but former Linfield ace is taking zero for granted
COLERAINE new boy Aaron Burns accepts his big name signing status doesn’t guarantee him a starting slot in Oran Kearney’s title chasing team.
Burns, who joined the Bannmen from champions Linfield in January, scored a clinical debut goal in last week’s 5-2 win at Ballinamallard.
It was the perfect start for the attacking midfielder who bagged 91 goals in 273 appearances for the Blues and helped
David
Healy’s men to the
Gibson Cup last April.
But while Burns was one of the star captures of the recent transfer window, he knows competition for places will be intense as Coleraine bid to reel in Crusaders at the top of the table. He said: “Such is the strength of this Coleraine squad, I know if I’m not doing the business, I won’t play, but that’s how it’s got to be if you want to be successful and win trophies. “Oran (left) wants competition for places. He wants to make it difficult to get into the starting team and that really pushes you on in training. It’s even a tough job get into the 16, but that’s a good thing. “There’s a good drive and honesty in the changing room and on a personal level the lads have made me feel very welcome. It’s brilliant so far and I’m really enjoying it.”
Burns was delighted to get off to a goal scoring start – pouncing for a late goal in that five star showing at Ballinamallard - after spending 10 weeks on the sidelines with a knee problem.
“I was pleased to get off the mark,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if I’d get game time down at Ballinamallard, but Oran gave me a chance and it was great to see it go in.
“My knee is feeling good, but I’m probably another couple of weeks away from feeling fully match fit.”
Coleraine, who host Warrenpoint Town this afternoon, are aiming to keep the pressure on Crusaders who hold a two point lead at the top with a game in hand.
“Our aim is to stay on the coat tails of Crusaders,” said Burns. “All we can do is keep looking after ourselves. If we keep winning, anything can happen.”
Coleraine are unbeaten in 14 home league games this season but Kearney’s men have drawn their last four at the Showgrounds, against Ballymena, Crues Linfield and Glenavon.
“It’s important we take maximum points at home,” said Burns. “Warrenpoint have shown they have a goal threat, but if we can keep the back door shut, I’d be confident we can go and score goals.”