RUAIDHRI Higgins says his squad are “craving” the tasks ahead as they prepare for three games in three different competitions…

The Bannsiders face Bangor today in the Sports Direct Premiership before meetings with Glentoran and Carrick Rangers in the BetMcLean Cup and Irish Cup respectively.

It marks a busy schedule for Higgins’ men but the manager stressed that they are the fixtures everyone at the club wants to be involved in.

“You crave as a player, as a coach and as a supporter, you crave being in all competitions,” he said.

“We have to embrace it. There’s no point in wanting these situations and then moaning about it. You have to embrace it.

“It’s brilliant. It’s what football’s all about. You want to be as competitive in every competition as possible.

“We have a three-game week coming up with Bangor, the first one, and we’ll put full attention on them.”

Bangor sit 7th in the Premiership table upon their return to the top-flight and Higgins has been impressed by the performances and results of the Seasiders.

He explained: “I think they’ve been absolutely outstanding and credit where it’s due.

“They’ve been so, so competitive in nearly all their games and won a lot of tough games as well.

“They seem to have a brilliant spirit.

“I know their manager spoke about the spirit that they have in their group and that’s evident.

“We’ll have to be at our very best to go there and win because they’re a tough nut to crack.”