MICHAEL O’Connor says he has been impressed by Dungannon Swifts so far this season as the Bannsiders aim to get back to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership…

Coleraine make their way to Stangmore Park to face the Swifts for the first of two successive meetings in the Premiership and Irish Cup respectively.

The Bannsiders drew 1-1 at the County Tyrone venue on the opening day of the season, before a Matthew Shevlin-inspired hat-trick helped Coleraine record a 4-1 success against the same opposition on home soil.

The Swifts currently find themselves second in the Premiership standings and O’Connor admits they are there totally on merit, as well as providing a squad update in terms of injuries and suspensions.

“Dungannon have been super,” he said,

“I’ve watched them a few times and we’ve already played them a couple of times.

“They play open football, they’ll play really good attractive football, they’ve got pace up top, they’ve got players in midfield who can play football – so they sound like the complete team.

“That’s why they’re sitting where they are.

“We drew with them the first game of the season and beat them at The Showgrounds, so we’ll go into the game with a bit of confidence and hopefully get the win.

“Just Graham (Kelly) is out as far as I know.

“One or two boys from Tuesday didn’t train Thursday with a few knocks but we’re hoping they’ll be fine for Saturday.

“You look at it now, we’ve got a big squad so there’ll be one or two left out who’ll be disappointed, but it’s a good headache to have.”

O’Connor commented on the North West Senior Cup final on Tuesday night as goals from Sam McClintock (2) and Tiernan Brolly sealed a comeback win against Ballinamallard United.

He added: “We’ve had a good week’s training, good on Tuesday as well to give the young lads a run out and the boys who haven’t been playing much to get a win and win a trophy.

“It’s a great competition in regards to giving the young lads exposure and being able to play against men.

“We played Limavady who were full strength and Ballinamallard who were full strength so it’s really good for the likes of Senan (Devine) and Sam (McClintock).

“Also good for Paddy Burns – that was his first game for us and I thought he was super.

“Jamie (McGonigle) and Jack (Scott) got some minutes too so hopefully they can kick on now and try and get into the team.”

Supporters are reminded that a cash gate will be in operation for tomorrow’s game – £15 adults, £10 concessions and £1 kids with a paying adult.