RYAN Schofield says he has quickly settled into life as Coleraine as the Bannsiders prepare for today’s clash at Carrick Rangers…

After suffering a shoulder injury in pre-season, the shot-stopper returned to action towards the latter stages of last year.

Schofield joined the club last summer and he discussed how he has embraced his new surroundings.

“Obviously, it wasn’t the ideal start, but everyone’s been brilliant with me,” he said.

“The staff, players, really focussing on the rehab and getting into a position where I was fit.

“It was nice to be on the bench in the League Cup against Moyola…then, just sort of building from there, really getting the game time up in the reserves.

“It’s been nice to get back in and now feel like I’m fully back to full fitness.

“The north coast is a lovely area, it’s a lovely place and the people around are so welcoming.

“It’s quite a similar community feel to back at home where I’m from.”

It marks the second successive week that Coleraine are on their travels to Carrick Rangers after winning at Taylors Avenue in the Irish Cup last Saturday.

When asked about playing teams more or less back-to-back, Schofield replied: “I think it can work both ways.

“Obviously, you’ve got to take each game on its merit.

“We’ve had a positive result there and then another positive one mid-week, so we’re going in with a bit of confidence as well, but I think they are as well.

“It’ll be a good game and we need to go there and put in a performance that we can be proud of.”

Supporters can get tickets HERE or a cash gate is available.