Kearney hails young guns

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney was delighted to see his players earn a 4-0 win over Premiership opposition yesterday afternoon…

The Bannsiders swept aside Institute at The Showgrounds via goals from Jamie McGonigle, Stephen O’Donnell, Jack Bradley and Caleb Wan.

Kearney believes the win showed an indication of where his players are currently at, but knows there is more hard work to do prior to the opening day fixture against Cliftonville on August 10.

“It was a good work out,” he said.

“Obviously this fixture was organised before i rejoined the club but it was something that we found worked for us in the past.

“We played Glenavon before the European clash last season so it was important that we made sure we got a similar level of workout against similar opposition.

“I know sometimes people would frown upon playing a team from your own league but I think at this stage of the season it gives us a realistic indication as to where we are at.

“It was nice to get the goals and we could have conceded as well but I am more pleased that we got through the game relatively unscathed.

“Jamie picked up a bit of a knock but we are hoping it is not as serious as it could have been.

“I want the team to play a certain way and I know what we need to be doing to get to that point so it is important to keep working.

“The first-half performance was very pleasing but I felt we took our foot off the gas after half-time which shows me there is still work to do.

“Next week at Portadown we need to kick on to an even greater level and I have to give the lads some credit because since I have came in they have all been working very hard.”

Supporters were given a glimpse to the future as Richard Purcell, Andrew Whiteside, Jack Bradley, Pierce Quigley and Caleb Wan were all introduced from the bench.

Kearney revealed that the quintet will have a part to play throughout the season.

“I was happy with the young players today they acquitted themselves really well,” he added.

“Ollie Mullan and Darren McCrudden will be coming back in to the club to work with the younger players at the club.

“There are a few at the club that will get their chance and that was the case today due to a few aches and pains throughout the squad.

“More importantly when they do get on it is about showing what they can do in 20 or 25 minutes because sometimes that is all it might be.”

Lyndon Kane was expected to play against Stute but felt ‘a little sore’ after training, with Kearney also revealing that the deal for Jamie McGonigle is now ‘dead’.

“The plan was to have Lyndon involved but he felt a little sore on Thursday night so we opted to wind it back a little and reassess during the week so we can see where he is at,” Kearney concluded.

“There is nothing and as far as I am concerned at this point and time the deal is dead.

“I do not want to sell him. I am not rushing out to create a transfer or an offer.

“The offer that has went in has been declined as such as it is not on the terms that we want it to happen and there has not been another offer so at this point and time there is nothing more to report.”