A Game of Fives

A Game of Fives

COLERAINE striker Jamie McGonigle was this week tasked to choose his five-a-side team plus two substitutes from the current first-team squad at The Showgrounds..

The rules are simple – Jamie must choose a goalkeeper and four outfield players (not including himself – supposedly!) plus two impact substitutions.

The former Northern Ireland under-21 international picked the following squad.

GOALKEEPER

Chris Johns:

Chris’ inclusion picks itself really. He is a top goalkeeper and he has saved us many times throughout his spell with the club.

Johns thwarts Jay Donnelly in December 2017 as Coleraine and Cliftonville played out a goalless draw.

OUTFIELD PLAYERS

Stephen O’Donnell:

Stevie is a rock at the back so he gets included. He is known for his strong tackling but he can go a mazy run forward at times too.

McGonigle has picked Stephen O’Donnell for his defensive capabilities – but he has backed him to score a few.

Adam Mullan:

Adam is relaxed with everything so we need that bit of composure in a 5-a-side. However, I won’t be expecting him to score many goals.

Mullan pays close attention to Jay Donnelly during the Irish Cup final against Cliftonville.

Josh Carson:

Josh provides a good goal threat as he has a powerful strike and he will run all day. He might get sent-off as he likes a tackle, but I would take that risk.

Carson celebrates scoring against Glentoran in the BetMcLean League Cup in October 2018.

Jamie McGonigle:

I know I’m not allowed but I’m inserting myself into this team. I feel like I need to be there to finish the moves off and score goals.

Have some of that…McGonigle finds the bottom corner during the win against Crusaders on Sky Sports in September 2018.

SUBSTITUTES

Ben Doherty:

Ben is a great player who is unlucky to miss out. He will be ideal if we need a goal as he shoots about 70 times during a five minute game.

Ian Parkhill:

The five-a-side Lionel Messi.