HE JAMES TO PLEASE Bann striker Mclaughlin loving being in title mix

COLERAINE striker James Mclaughlin is relishing being in the thick of a title race after sitting out the Bannsiders’ last charge at Gibson Cup glory in 2018.

Mclaughlin was sidelined with a cruciate knee injury when Oran Kearney’s (inset) men lifted the Irish Cup and were pipped at the post in the league by Crusaders two years ago.

And with that “frustration” in mind, the seasoned goal scorer, who turned 30 yesterday, is eager to play a key role as this season’s race heads into the final strait.

“I watched the 2018 title bid and Irish Cup win from the stands,” said Mclaughlin. “I was out that whole season with a knee injury and it was a strange experience.

“I enjoyed the highs of the lads securing big wins and I still felt part of the squad, but I wasn’t part of what happened. Watching from the sidelines wasn’t easy.

“I could see the team pushing and pushing and you just wanted to contribute and help them get across the line, but I wasn’t able to which was frustrating.

“Hopefully I have the chance to do that now. I want to contribute in this season’s title race. It’s also a personal motivation to try and lift the Irish Cup as a Coleraine player.”

Coleraine, who are chasing a domestic treble after lifting the League Cup three weeks ago, face derby rivals Ballymena United in the Irish Cup semi-finals at The Oval on March 27.

But first up Kearney’s men, who lie four points off Linfield at the summit, clash with David Jeffrey’s men, who are languishing 10th in the table, in the league this afternoon.

“It’s a derby so league positions mean nothing,” said Mclaughlin. “It doesn’t matter what your form is like. You have to turn up if you want to win these games.”

Coleraine closed the gap on Linfield thanks to Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Glenavon with Mclaughlin and January signing Stewart Nixon on target.

The pacy Nixon opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, before teeing up his strike partner to fire home his 12th of the season.

“Stewart is seriously sharp and he has an ability to run in behind which opens up space for others,” said Mclaughlin. “He’s still young, eager to learn and I like him a lot.

“It was another important win and we know at this stage of the season it’s all about digging in and churning out three points.”

Coleraine have won their last eight games in all competitions and Mclaughlin says “confidence is starting to grow.”

“We have three games before the split and all we can do is control what we do – we can’t worry about what Linfield are doing,” he said.

“Our defence has been different gravy and we know if we keep things tight at the back, we are capable of beating anybody.”