OK gathering the troops for Carrick test

ORAN Kearney insists the Bannsiders have no other option but to “dust themselves down” for tomorrow’s home clash against Carrick Rangers…

The Stripes are more than likely to go into the contest without Matthew Shevlin and Andy Scott through injury as the pair would have to be substituted during last Friday’s defeat to Larne at Inver Park.

Numerous others missed that contest through injury as goals from Joe Thomson and Leroy Millar sealed the win for the hosts.

“We started brightly at Larne and caused them problems but the tackle on Matthew, which he tried to run off, has hurt us and then Andy going off just seconds before the goal made it even more frustrating,” Kearney told Coleraine TV after the game.

“Not only was it the loss of two key players but their goal came against the run of play in the midst of that.

“It’s a tough place to come and you’re only allowed three stoppages to make substitutes and all of ours were enforced.

“We had to throw all of our cards on the table around the 55 minute mark as we were allowed no more stoppages.

“I feel we should have played against 10 men as Cian Bolger has misjudged where the ball is at and it’s really dangerous where he caught Matthew.

“I would say he would be out for a month or two.

“Andy looks like he’s tweaked his hamstring which could be a few weeks and I hope a knock to Graham Kelly isn’t serious as we can’t afford to lose any more bodies.”

With his squad being stretched due to knocks and bruises at present, Kearney is hopeful that other members of his squad can step up to the plate to gain some momentum for the challenges ahead.

“It will be another tough game,” he added.

“It’s been so stop-start for Matthew with suspension and injury, and now another injury that looks to keep him out for another few weeks at least.

“It’s been hard to gain that bit of momentum that we would like.

“We’re big boys, it’s a big boy’s league, and we’ve got to dust ourselves down and gather the troops for tomorrow.”