DEAN Shiels says the Bannsiders are fully intent on hitting the European play-off spaces as they face Cliftonville at The Showgrounds this evening…

Shiels’ men saw their Irish Cup hopes dashed last Saturday as Dungannon Swifts netted an extra-time winner to record a 2-1 success at Stangmore Park.

However, attention will now solely focus on Premiership commitments with Coleraine aiming to climb the table and ensure they will be in the conversation of potentially achieving European football next season.

“There were always going to be uncertainties and inconsistencies this season,” Shiels said.

“We all want instant success, we all want better. We now have to look at how we respond.

“We’ve lots to play for in regards to can we get into European play-offs? Can we give the fans European football next year and that’s the target.

“We need some stability with the new signings bedding in…we will get there.

“This club will progress, we’ve massive ambitions.”

Shiels could hand a debut to new recruit Charles Dunne this evening after fellow signing Declan McManus got his Coleraine career up and running with a goal last Saturday.

“I know that he’s going to get us goals…I’ve no doubts about that,” the Coleraine chief added. “We just need to get people to settle in.

“We’ve done really good business in this window but that takes time for these players to settle.

“We’ve turned part-time players full-time, which takes time.

“We’re putting foundations in place…in the summer we’ll improve again.”

Supporters can still purchase tickets for tonight’s game HERE.