International recognition for Coleraine duo

JAMIE McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin have been called-up to the Northern Ireland under-21 squad for the European qualifier against Estonia…

The fixture will take place on Tuesday 10th October at Mourneview Park (KO 7:30pm). Iain Baraclough’s side have made a great start to their qualifying campaign with two wins from their opening three matches. However, they will be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering a 1-0 defeat to group leaders Slovakia last time out.

McGonigle could be in line to earn his third cap after featuring in the victories against Estonia and Albania, meanwhile Harkin is still uncapped but will hope to feature after making a fantastic start to the season at club level.

Their call-ups mean that the Bannsiders have had to re-arrange two fixtures in both the League Cup and Danske Bank Premiership. The BetMcLean.com League Cup tie against Crusaders – scheduled for October 10 – will now be played a week later on Tuesday 17th October at Seaview (KO 7:45pm). Furthermore, the league fixture against Ballinamallard United – scheduled for October 7 – will now be played on Tuesday 31st October at The Showgrounds (KO 7:45pm).

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney admits he is ‘proud’ of both players as they take to the international stage.

“It is a testament to their development and hard work both on and off the pitch,” Kearney said.

“I am proud of them and I’m sure they will grasp the opportunity with open arms.

“Having two players called up speaks volumes for the work being done at the club.”