Burke: ‘I want to show the fans what I’m capable of’

CORMAC Burke spoke to colerainefc.com for the first time after joining the Bannsiders last week…

The 25-year-old put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half year deal following a spell with Dungannon Swifts.

Burke – who was also on the books of Ipswich Town, Derry City and Institute – insists linking up with Rodney McAree once again was a major factor in his decision to join the club.

“I can’t wait to get started as the move was done so quickly,” he said.

“Coleraine is a massive club with a great fan base and I’m looking forward to getting my spell here underway.

“I worked with Rodney for four years at Dungannon and he brought me to Stangmore Park.

“He likes to play a certain way and it suits me, so I’m relishing working with him again.

“It was a no-brainer to sign as it’s a massive club and when Coleraine come knocking, you can’t turn it down.”

Burke scored in last season’s League Cup final as he helped the Swifts win their first senior trophy against Ballymena United, but he hopes to add to his medal collection at The Showgrounds.

The winger described himself as a technical player and is already familiar with several members of the first-team squad.

“Winning the League Cup with Dungannon was a great feeling as it was my first senior trophy,” he added.

“Hopefully I can win some silverware with Coleraine after their success last season.

“I’m a technical player, I like to get on the ball and pass it.

“I want to work hard and show the fans what I’m capable of.

“I played with Stephen O’Donnell and Graham Crown at Institute, so I’m familiar with a few of the players.

“I lived with Josh in Ipswich for three years and played with Jamie Glackin at Dungannon Swifts.”

The Derry/Londonderry native is in line to make his Coleraine debut this weekend as the Bannsiders host the Swifts at The Showgrounds.

“That’s the way football works,” he concluded.

“It doesn’t matter who the opposition was as I can’t wait to get going.

“Unfortunately the clearance wasn’t through for the Ards game but that’s behind me now and my focus is on this weekend.”