‘We need to put it to the Swifts’ – Cole

DARREN Cole insists he has enjoyed his time at Coleraine so far as the Bannsiders get ready to lock horns with Dungannon Swifts this evening…

The Scottish native made his debut in last weekend’s goalless draw against Larne after coming off the bench following a knock to Dean Jarvis.

Cole helped Coleraine register their first clean of the season as they picked up a point for their efforts against the reigning champions.

A calf strain would mean the 31-year-old would have to wait to make his bow but he hopes all those setbacks are now behind him.

“I wouldn’t say I expected to get on but if one of the boys goes down, I’m always ready and I was pleased to come on,” he said.

“Not only that, but I’m delighted to help get our first clean sheet of the season.

“I’ve not had the best of luck to be honest.

“I trained for a week to ten days and then I had a wee niggle in the calf.

“It meant I had to miss a few training sessions.

“My time here so far has been brilliant.

“I get on with everyone, everyone has been great and it helps when you have good players and people around you.”

The former Rangers man would spend last season on loan at the Swifts from Glentoran.

It is fair to say that a lot has changed in the past few months for both Cole and the Swifts as they are now managed by former Coleraine chief Rodney McAree.

“Dungannon have brought a lot of new people there,” he added.

“They’ve been doing well but we’ve a great side here ourselves.

“We need to go down there and put it to them.

“It’s important to keep a clean sheet but also to get a goal or two.”