DECLAN McManus says he is starting to feel back to full fitness as the Bannsiders prepare to face Dungannon Swifts this afternoon…

The January arrival had suffered an injury setback at his previous club The New Saints, before being ruled out of action for a few weeks after twinge to his hamstring in February’s game against Cliftonville.

However, the Glaswegian says he is starting to feel back to his best again physically after coming off the bench to net in Tuesday night’s defeat to Glentoran at The Oval.

He said: “I’m loving it at Coleraine.

“Obviously it’s been a bit stop-start for myself coming in off the back of a month or two where I hadn’t played.

“Came in, tried to get up to fitness then I hurt my hamstring and was back out, so it’s been a bit stop-start which is frustrating for me personally.

“But I’m starting to feel good again, up to speed fitness wise so hopefully get myself in the team, start a few more games and really get going.

“But in terms of the club and everybody around it it’s been an amazing start to my career here.”

McManus had a bittersweet debut for the club against today’s opponents Dungannon back in February as he scored in a 2-1 Irish Cup defeat at Stangmore Park.

Rodney McAree’s men have since gone on to reach this year’s Irish Cup final and McManus has been impressed by what he has seen by the Swifts since his introduction to life in the Irish League.

“Obviously I’ve only played against Dungannon on my debut in the Irish Cup,” he added.

“Obviously I’m new to the league but they’ve had an amazing season – cup final, top six and European play-offs – so it’s a team that’s proven throughout the season that they’re very hard to beat and a very difficult side to play against.

“My debut – I feel like we dominated that day and, again, created a lot of chances but they’re a difficult side that works very hard off the ball and just hard to beat.

“So we’re under no illusions that it’ll be the exact same on Saturday.”

Supporters can get tickets for today’s game HERE.