| Venue: Ballycastle Road Showgrounds Date: Friday, 5 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT |
| Coverage: Live coverage on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary, match report and highlights on the BBC Sport website |
Coleraine manager Oran Kearney says Friday’s Irish Cup fifth round tie against Cliftonville could provide a springboard to turn their season round.
The Bannsiders’ disappointing recent run of results has seen them win just one of their last nine league outings.
The club’s board issued a statement on Sunday expressing their support for Kearney after criticism from some fans.
“There is no better way for us to put the tough last few weeks behind us,” said Kearney of a possible cup tie win.
“You approach the game the way you always approach a game in the Irish Cup. It’s a huge competition and one that we want to do well in.”
Recent meetings between Kearney’s charges and the Reds in knockout competitions have included the 2018 Irish Cup final, which Coleraine won, and the 2022 League Cup decider, in which the Reds came out on top after extra-time.
“Us and Cliftonville in cups over the last few seasons seem to have magnetic balls the number of times we have drawn each other. It is exciting for us, it is a big game under lights and hopefully there will be a big crowd at the Showgrounds.
“It is important that we get a big performance on Friday night.”
‘Take the spine out of any team and they will find it tough’
The Ballycastle Road club’s downturn in fortunes has seen their place in the top six of the Premiership standings come under threat from Loughgall, Carrick Rangers and Glenavon below them.
Kearney believes injuries to key players, including last season’s league top scorer Matthew Shevlin and club captain Stephen O’Donnell, has been the most significant factor in recent under-par performances.
“I could name four or five players who have been absolute stalwarts for us over the last few seasons who have missed a mountain of this season,” reflected the Coleraine boss.
“From Stephen O’Donnell to Josh Carson and Matthew Shevlin to Stephen Lowry, they have all played 50 games in the last few seasons, you could sprinkle a handful of games amongst them this season.
“You take the spine out of any team and that team is going to find it tough. For us, it has been a tough period from that point of view where we have lacked that bit of guidance and experience on the pitch, maybe in the final 15 minutes. It has been tough but that is football and you have to roll with that.
“For us it is about looking forward. We are starting to get a few bodies back out on to the training ground and we are very hopeful that there are a few who are ready to turn a corner and get back soon.
“I have no doubt that when we start to get even close to our strongest side out on to the pitch that it will have a big impact for us.”
January ‘couldn’t come quickly enough’
Kearney has been quick off the mark to bolster his options in the first few days of the January transfer window and is confident new acquisitions Jack Scott and the returning Jamie McGonigle can make an impact.
“January probably couldn’t come quickly enough. We have got a bit of business done early which is great.
“It gives the squad a lift and it gives the fans a lift, I think it gives everyone around the club a lift and a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
“Even what we have from within the squad [the injured players], we are down into weeks now when we will see three of four of those guys start to get back. That will be like new signings as well.
“It is not just about what we need to do in the market, we have plenty of good players in the building at the minute, we just need to get them back onto the pitch.
“Jamie has obviously been with us before and, like any good number nine, he thrives on goals.
“He did very well and scored a lot of goals for us in the his first spell, then went on to Crusaders and Derry City and did well there too. He is one who for me still has his best days ahead of him, he is in great shape, he is a good age and there is a really good level of experience there, as well as a hunger to get back up and running.
“He is delighted to be back, we are delighted to have him and hopefully we can get him up and running on that goal trail. Jack Scott has fitted in really well and I’m really looking forward to getting to work with him.”