Kearney hoping to prolong forward step

ORAN Kearney offered his reflections on Coleraine’s performances throughout the season after watching his side beat Glentoran on Friday night…

By: Charlie Cooke

Two quick-fire goals from Matthew Shevlin and Conor McKendry helped Coleraine recover from a goal down to beat the Glens at The Oval.

However, ahead of tonight’s clash away to Cliftonville, Kearney is hopeful the manner of the victory against Glentoran will help his side put a “foot forward” for the challenges ahead.

“I’ve been delighted with pre-season, delighted with training and the attitude, but for whatever reason we have just huffed and puffed,” he said.

“I’m not being critical, but I said to the players before the game that seven games in I thought we were stuck in third gear.

“I know we’re better than that, I honestly believe we have the players to go and put performances in anywhere in the country.

“But we’re fed up talking about it. There comes a point when we need that momentum swing that allows you to really go and put that foot forward. Hopefully this can be that step.

“You’re stepping into another cauldron but you’re better going there with three points and a performance like we produced on Friday night.

“You’re going there with a spring in your step rather than your tail between your legs ideally looking to get something out of the game.

“We’ll freshen up and be ready to go again on Tuesday.”

Kearney is also hopeful of having Jamie Glackin at his disposal after the midfielder was substituted on Friday night following a knock.

“He had a bit of a problem with that shoulder a couple of years ago, it possibly flicks in and out,” he added.

“He had one scare near the start and another where it has shuddered in and out.

“We were going to bring Lee on anyway, probably not for Glacks, but we did it because you don’t have the time to carry anyone in a game like that.

“Fingers crossed he’ll be grand over the next day or two.”