Shevlin excited for season to start

MATTHEW Shevlin has told colerainefc.com that can’t wait for the new season to begin…

A January recruit, the striker suffered a stop start first season with Coleraine because of injury.

He did manage to start – and impress – in eight games towards the end of the season before injury struck again.

Now fully recovered, he’s hoping to play a key role in the new campaign, starting with Thursday’s Europa Conference League tie against FK Velez Mostar.

“Like everyone else, I’m just hoping first and foremost to be part of the squad on Thursday,” said Matthew.

“It’s going to be a long season and we will all be required at some point.

“I’m over my injury problems, feeling fit and hope to play a part on Thursday.

“There is a lot of competition for places, especially up front, and I hope to be able to cement my place in the starting 11.”

Shevlin has been involved in Europe before with Ballymena United and Linfield.

Now he is ready to sample the new Conference League competition with the Bannsiders.

“Velez will be technically very good,” acknowledged Matthew.

“We have to go there and put in a performance that keeps the tie alive for the second leg the following week.

“I think playing the first game away benefits us.

“Also normally you go into the games off the back of a four or five week break.

“The fact we’ve only really had a couple of weeks off means our fitness levels were still good.

“Let’s hope we can go out on Thursday and give a good account of ourselves and give us a chance to progress.”