McAree wary of Glentoran improvement

COLERAINE will aim to book a quarter-final date with Crusaders as they face Glentoran in the BetMcLean League Cup (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders will be looking for a return to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cliftonville at the weekend. That result sees the Stripes slip to 7th spot in the Danske Bank Premiership after playing 12 games. Our opponents Glentoran will be buoyed by their 4-0 success against Ards as Curtis Allen racked up his 100th goal in the victory. The Glens defeated Larne in the previous round, with Coleraine striking late to overcome Ballyclare Comrades at The Showgrounds.

The two sides have already met in league action this season and it was honours even at The Oval as Eoin Bradley netted late in a 2-2 draw. The Bannsiders had the half-time lead through Brad Lyons, but were pegged back when Allen netted from close range. The game turned on its head minutes later as Peter McMahon scored to give Ronnie McFall’s side the lead, before Bradley netted late on from Darren McCauley’s cross.

Coleraine manager Rodney McAree will once again be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Aaron Traynor, Ian Parkhill and James McLaughlin for the trip to East Belfast. There was a boost last weekend as Aaron Burns was passed fit to start against the Reds. Speaking ahead of the fixture, McAree was full of praise for Glentoran’s improvement so far this season.

“Glentoran have improved and they have made good signings,” he said.

“Connor Pepper is a good player in the middle of the park, John Herron who was at Celtic is a tidy player and they have personnel who can hurt you.

“You have to take each game as it comes and we all look forward to them, so we will look forward going to The Oval and it’s a chance to progress into the quarter-final of the League Cup,”

As ever, those unable to attend can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).

Supporters are also reminded that tomorrow night’s game is segregated, meaning our fans are to enter via the City End only.