KYLE McClelland has hailed the influence of new signing Charles Dunne as the Bannsiders prepare for the visit of Portadown this afternoon…

The pair started in the heart of the defence together for the first time last weekend as Coleraine ran out 2-0 victors against Linfield at Windsor Park.

When asked about playing alongside former St Mirren ace Dunne, the 23-year-old said: “He’s played at a good level and you can tell that as soon as you play alongside him.

“I think his communication is vital for me and it makes your life a lot easier.

“You can see the big man has had a great career in the game and hopefully it can continue here.

“The boys did really well and we knew it was going to be a tough fixture considering Linfield’s form.

“Ultimately, we were delighted to get the three points and get a clean sheet.

“The boys started really well, the warm-up was really good and we believed we went into the game with a good chance as there’s a great squad here.”

Niall Currie’s men travel to The Showgrounds sitting in 7th as just goal difference rules them out of currently holding a top-six position.

With that in mind, McClelland knows he and his team-mates will have to produce a top performance if they are to collect all three points this afternoon.

“They are doing really well and you only have to look at their position in the table,” he continued.

“It’s going to be another hard game and you don’t get any easy fixtures in this league.

“They are going to be physical and they are going to come here and go for the three points.

“We know what we are up for and we have prepared well all week and it’s one we are looking forward to.

“Hopefully we can get the fans behind us and put a good show on.”

Supporters can buy tickets for today’s contest HERE.