FOOTBALL: Patterson delighted after call up

We exclusively told you at the start of February that the striker was in line for a call-up as NI boss Nigel Worthington has been keeping tabs on him as he has bagged 31 goals so far this term. And Patterson received official confirmation on Saturday that he was on the plane to Tirana, capping a marvellous eight months for the former FC United man.

"Obviously I'm very happy to have been called up to the squad," Patterson told Times Sport on Monday. "I'd heard the rumours that Nigel (Worthington) had been watching me, but I just concentrated on my game.

"He must have saw something which he's impressed with which is a big compliment, now I just can't wait to meet up with the rest of the squad and get out there. It's going to be a great experience.

"It's a big boost for me personally and I just want to keep on doing what I do best and that's scoring goals. Coleraine has some big games coming up and we have a great chance to win some trophies. We have to push on now and make sure we do that."

Patterson's call-up follows hot on the heels of Stephen Carson's appearance for his country against Italy in June last year after a gap of 22-years when Ray McCoy took to the field against Yugoslavia. And the forward says it shows that the international manager is taking notice of the Irish League.

"It's sending out a good message that the manager is keeping tabs on what's happening locally," said Patterson, who ironically has never been capped at any level. "It's been great for Coleraine to have two players called up to the senior squad in such a short space of time, it shows the club is doing something right."

Patterson's boss, David Platt, agrees and told Times Sport the call-up is just rewards for Patterson stunning season in front of goal.

"It's brilliant news and thoroughly deserved for Rory," he said. "He has out-scored everyone in the league and also scored goals against all the big teams.

"But not only is it good for Rory, but it's also great for the club as it shows that what we are doing here is paying off. We are playing a brand of football which is providing a platform for Rory to perform.

"To have two full internationals at the club within such a short space of time is excellent after waiting so long since the last player to get the call. Stephen deserved to get his call up just like Rory and I'm sure a couple of other players will be knocking on the door very soon.

"We also had three players in the Under-23 squad and have the likes of Stephen Dooley and Sam Boylan in the Under-18's so it's a very exciting time for the club."

Platt now turns his attention to tonight's (Tuesday) league game against Cliftonville and he admitted it's a 'massive' game for the Bannsiders.

"There's no doubt about it it's a massive game for us," he said. "We said a couple of weeks ago that the next four or five games would really give us an idea on how our season was going to pan out. If we can go to Solitude and win for the third time this season it will be a remarkable achievement.

"People have said that they are going through a bad patch, but they are top of the league and they have only lost twice in their last 12 games. They are a good side and we are under no illusions that it will be a tough game.

"We have to make sure that we get the points on board to secure a top six place first and then build from there."

Coleraine take a break from league action on Saturday as they play their final Setanta Cup group game against Bohemians. Platt told Times sport that he'll use the game to give some of the fringe players a game.

"I'll still treat the game with respect but I will use it to rest a few players," he said. "It worked for us in the Irish Cup when we we were able to rest players for the game against Linfield. I'll also look to bring a couple of the Reserves into the 18-man panel to give them the experience."

Platt though still has concerns over recent signings Sammy Morrow, who only lasted half hour of his debut at Windsor Park last week.

"Sammy is very doubtful for this week's games," he said. "I'm hoping he'll be okay for next Tuesday night's game against Institute as we will be without Rory."