Lyndon the benchmark for Jay

COLERAINE defender Jay Riley insists he is delighted to sign his first professional contract with the club…

The talented full-back has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal and will spend the rest of the campaign on loan at Institute.

Riley, who is the youngest player to ever represent the Bannsiders, was an unused substitute for the first-team in the 2-0 defeat to Glentoran just before Christmas.

However, he will be eager to impress in his new environment as he links-up with Brian Donaghey’s side in the Lough41 Championship.

“I’m over the moon to sign my first contract with Coleraine,” he said.

“It means a lot as I’m a local lad who has supported the club since I was no age.

“I have watched matches as a fan and then to then experience playing for the club on the pitch watching Lyndon Kane at right-back is a dream.

“My aim at Stute is to push on and get more experience in men’s football.

“It will help me in terms of physicality, fitness, strength and a bit more experience.

“I’ve no doubt that this will help bring me back to Coleraine in a far better shape.”

Riley acknowledged the breakthrough of Patrick Kelly into the first-team and added that he learns a lot from watching Lyndon Kane.

“Seeing PK get his first professional contract drove me on to get a contract and try and break into the first-team,” he continued.

“It has drove a lot of boys on in the 20’s and 18’s, so hopefully we will see a few more earn the same deal.

“I always watch Lyndon to see what he does during a game, what his strengths are, how he crosses the ball and defends.

“I’m always amazed as to how good he is in the air because he’s not the biggest physically but he’s rather beaten for a header.

“I look at his pros and see what I can do to improve my game and get noticed by Oran.

“It’s great to sign and hopefully I can drive more boys on as well.”