Match Reaction

Burns: ‘I moved here to compete for trophies’

COLERAINE attacker Aaron Burns spoke to the media after netting the second goal in last weekend’s Irish Cup final win against Cliftonville…

The Banbridge man made the move to The Showgrounds in January from Linfield and believes the Bannsiders will be able to compete on all fronts after securing their first trophy under Oran Kearney’s management.

Burns was brought on just after the hour mark and made no mistake when presented with an opportunity on 78 minutes to lift the fourth Irish Cup title of his career.

“I moved here to compete for trophies,” Burns said.

“I’ve been used to it from when I was 17 and this Coleraine squad will go on to compete for every trophy trophy available for the next three to five years.

“We chatted before game about needing one trophy to use as a springboard to get numerous trophies and that’s the big thing now.

“Mentality was massive in all the changing rooms I’ve been in and Winkie and Dougie really help galvanise the squad into believing can win every game.

“The team’s record over the past two years speaks for itself and the quality in the squad is fantastic.”

After losing in the showpiece final last year, as well as being pipped to the Danske Bank Premiership crown by Crusaders, the 25-year-old insisted it was important that the Stripes finally ended their trophy drought.

“If we hadn’t have won a few boys wouldn’t have made it back,” he added.

“Mentally, it takes toll on you, but last year stood the team in good stead.

“It’s a young squad and the future’s really bright for Coleraine.”

Burns paid tribute to the six thousand fans who made the journey to Windsor Park for their support and revealed he is loving his time on the Ballycastle Road.

“The support is massive and it’s just a fantastic club – it’s everything I’d hoped it would be,” Burns concluded.

“At Linfield I wasn’t seen as a fans’ favourite and supporters were always waiting to criticise me.

“That’s part of football but it’s nice to have a group of fans that back you in your poor games – that makes a big difference.

“There are so many good people around the club and hopefully now we can on and win more trophies.”