BEN Doherty insists he has loved every minute since his return to The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders prepare for today’s visit of Larne…

Coleraine will be at home competitively for the first time in 112 days as they lock horns with last year’s champions.

Doherty made the move back to Coleraine in the summer from Derry City and scored in last weekend’s 3-1 victory at Dungannon Swifts.

He said: “To be fair, the changing room and the group, even the staff all around the place on a day-to-day basis, have made it really easy.

“Obviously, it’s a massive change since I was first here as there wasn’t as many staff about and you were coming up two nights a week.

“Whereas now you’re in every morning now, you’re getting fed and mixing with the boys.

“I think the trip to Portugal really helped as well as it helped to sort of bed us newer players in and get to know everyone.

“For me, I’m just hoping that it’s as successful as my first spell now.”

Doherty had an 18-month spell at the Invermen before moving onto Derry City and he is anticipating a “tough” battle against his former employers.

“I’m expecting a tough game,” he added.

“Larne are doing well in Europe, but for us, we want to test ourselves against the best team in the league and see where we’re at as well.

“Obviously, we had two European games where we were able to test ourselves against a really good opposition.

“It’s the league now for us that’s the main focus and to go and play against the champions now on Saturday, is something that we’re really looking forward to.”

Supporters can get tickets for today’s game HERE.