RUAIDHRI Higgins says his Coleraine side are “excited” by the challenge posed to them this evening as they take on Glentoran at The Oval…

The Bannsiders meet Declan Devine’s men in the final game before Christmas at the east Belfast venue (KO 7.45pm).

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Higgins said the contest has all the hallmarks to be a fascinating affair and noted how tonight’s opponents were unfortunate to not win their previous two games against Cliftonville and Larne.

“I think it’s a brilliant fixture, the last one before Christmas so it would be nice to go into the Christmas period with there points against a good side at a difficult venue, but we’ll go there confident and hungry to get the 3 points,” he said.

“They were excellent against Larne and really good against Cliftonville the week before. If anyone deserved to win that game it was them. I know they haven’t won in a few games but they can find themselves very, very unfortunate.

“It’s this business that we’re in, you can be dominant in games and lose games but hopefully they can delay it for another week or so before turning their performances into results.”

Whilst supporters are understandably budgeting for Christmas, the Coleraine chief outlined how he’d love to see as many fans as possible make the trip.

He explained: “Without a doubt I’d love to see a big travelling support, it’s really important for us.

“I know it’s on the iPlayer and stuff like that but I’d love as many Coleraine supporters to make the journey.

“It’s a big game for us, it’s really important that we feel behind that goal, trying to suck it in.

“Hopefully a lot of them make the journey, the away travelling support this year has been really, really good and hopefully there’s more of the same tonight.”

Supporters can get tickets for tonight’s game HERE.