“Just rewards for Shevlin” – OK

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney shared his thoughts on the Bannsiders’ win at Carrick Rangers last night…

A brace from Matthew Shevlin helped the holders progress to the quarter-final stage of the BetMcLean League Cup at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena.

Speaking to Coleraine TV post-match, Kearney was delighted to see his players earn the win in 90 minutes and is hopeful that Rodney Brown will be fit for this weekend’s clash against Glentoran after coming off midway through the second-half.

“It is very much job done,” he said.

“I don’t think tonight was one for the purists but if you offered me 2-0 and to finish within 90 minutes before the night started, you’d have bitten your hands off for it.

“Credit to the lads, it’s another clean sheet which is vitally important and it gives you the base to go and score goals.

“Rodney had a wee niggle to the groin area.

“We got him off as quick as possible and we will assess it tomorrow night at training.”

Shevlin’s brace took his tally to eight goals for the season and Kearney revealed the striker is receiving his “just rewards” for hard work behind the scenes.

“They were two instinctive finishes,” he continued.

“He has taken a lot of praise this season and probably at times you want to clip his wings and try and keep him grounded.

“He’s a great lad, he’s worked extremely hard over the last six months he’s been here and into the start of this season.

“It’s great to see him get his just rewards.”

The Bannsiders travel to The Oval on Saturday evening and Kearney knows it is set to be another battle against Mick McDermott’s side.

“They are always tough games at The Oval,” he concluded.

“I think we had three draws towards the end of last season there.

“They are always close encounters and I’m expecting no different on Saturday.”