FOOTBALL: Patterson close to re-signing despite reported interest from Scotland

Manager David Platt and chairman Hugh Wade are believed to have held talks with the striker on Monday, and although both sides were remaining tight lipped hopes are high that Patterson is set to sign an extended deal.

The Bannsiders have been trying to tie up the former FC United man for several weeks now as he is now the Irish Premiership's hottest property after banging in 20 goals so far this term.

If Patterson does sign a new deal it will be a real coup for Platt and the Bannsiders just a week after losing Eunan O'Kane to Torquay.

Patterson has been attracting the attention of clubs up and down the country after his impressive debut season at The Showgrounds.

However, David Platt told Times Sport on Monday that he expected something to happen this week and that he envisaged the striker being at Coleraine for some time.

Several Irish League clubs are believed to be interested in the striker, who scored for the Bannsiders in the 2-0 win over Dundela in the Irish Cup on Saturday.

Times Sport understands that two Scottish Premier League clubs havew also been alerted to his goalscoring exploits.

A source told Times Sport on Monday that both Kilmarnock and Hamilton are keen on the player, who returned to the Province in the summer from Droylesden.

Coleraine FC Chief Executive, John Mairs, said that no approach had been made by any Scottish club.

However Mr Mairs confirmed that Coleraine had been contacted by other Irish League clubs.

Platt though poured cold water on the speculation and told Times Sport that the situation hasn't changed.

"The situation is the same as it has been for a few weeks now," said Platt.

"We have offered Rory a new contract and talks are ongoing. The bad weather meant that we were unable to speak to him about it properly, but I expect things to move on this week.

"We certainly haven't received any offers for the player and he is still very much a Coleraine player.

"There are official channels clubs can go down when a player comes into the final six months of his contract.

"If supposedly bigger clubs can't do that - can't write a letter - then there isn't much hope for the rest of us.

"That's certainly not how I will be doing my business. I'll do it the right and proper way.

"I remember all the rumours about Stephen Carson back in the summer, how he was going here, there and everywhere.

"I said then that I didn't envisage losing Stephen and the same can be said about Rory.

"We have put a very good offer on the table for Rory, one that I think few other clubs can match, and the biggest advantage I have in trying to get Rory to stay is that he is here playing for me.

"A year ago nobody in the Irish League knew who Rory Patterson was, now they all want him."

Meanwhile, Platt is glad to be back in action again after a month of inactivity, however yet another home game has had to be postponed after Portadown drew with Carrick in the cup on Saturday.

The Ports were due to visit The Showgrounds tonight (Tuesday) for a rearranged league fixture.

However they will now face Carrick in a replay with Platt taking his squad to Moyola Park to prepare for Saturday's clash at Crusaders.

It's all change at Seaview now with the Crues ripping up their grass pitch in favour of a new 4G synthetic surface.

It hasn't pleased many visitors to north Belfast so far however Platt told Times Sport that all he is concerned about is getting the win against the league leaders.

"There's been a lot of talk about the pitch since they installed it, but to be honest I'm not that bothered about it," he said.

"I couldn't care less if it was a ploughed field or a 4G pitch, all that I'm worried about is getting three points."

REPORT: Nichola Forgrave & Steven Crawford