Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ORAN STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTE
Coleraine v Carrick Rangers Tonight, 7.45pm
COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney says it’s up to others to step up to the plate in the absence of Northern Ireland U21 duo Ciaron Harkin and Jamie Mcgonigle.
Striker Mcgonigle, who has chipped in with 18 goals this season, and midfielder Harkin are part of Ian Baraclough’s squad for crucial Euro qualifiers against Spain and Iceland.
The timing couldn’t be worse as a win over Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds would see the Bannsiders leapfrog Crusaders – who face Warrenpoint on Monday – at the league summit.
With just six games to play the North West men lie two points behind the pace-setters.
Kearney said: “It’s not ideal to be without Jamie and Ciaron – they’ve been important players for us – but we would never stand in the way of any young player’s development.
“We’ve also been able to add strength and depth to the squad in recent times so it’s up to other guys to step up to the mark now.
“Darren Mccauley is back from a prearranged holiday and Stephen Dooley also returned from an ankle injury last week so we have options.
“We also had the ability to rest Eoin Bradley (inset) for last week’s 3-1 win at Ards, so that was a plus knowing we’d be without Jamie for this game.”
Coleraine, unbeaten in 15 home league games, face a Carrick side who lie second bottom of the table.
As for chasing down Crusaders – who are targeting a third Gibson Cup in four years – Kearney said: “It’s their title to lose as there is no expectation on us.
“We’ve got good momentum and we’re happy with where we’re at. The players are just focused on the next game and trying to get three points against Carrick which won’t be easy.”