FOOTBALL: Patterson waits on Platt's call

The sharp shooter was dropped by manager, David Platt, for last night's vital Carling Premiership clash at Dungannon, for what is understood to be disciplinary reasons following an incident in last Friday's 3-1 defeat to Portadown which left the Bannsiders battling to make it into the top six ahead of the league split.

Platt, who accepted it was a "massive call", added that he had been left with "little option" according to BBC Northern Ireland.

The Coleraine boss would not be drawn on whether Patterson, who won his first Northern Ireland cap against Albania earlier this month, would be included in the big Cup final this weekend.

Patterson is due to join the East Belfast club next season having already signed a pre-contract agreement.

Last night Coleraine could only draw 1-1 leaving their game against Portadown a 'must win' if they are to make the top six.

Meanwhile, Coleraine goalkeeper, David O'Hare has criticised the rules which prevent him from appealing against his sending-off at Portadown last Friday night.

O'Hare, who was shown a red card in controversial circumstances, is annoyed because players cannot appeal unless there is a case of mistaken identity or a long ban is involved.

The goalkeeper, who was sent off by referee Alan Black, was scathing in his comments.

:"The belief is that officials have become arrogant. If referees can make decisions which cannot be challenged, the system is flawed," blasted O'Hare.

"The people at the top have to accept responsibility for this and the rules need to be changed to allow appeals."

Official Black, who O'Hare claimed has assured him he would review his decisions, also sent-off Coleraine defender Paddy McLaughlin.

O'Hare added: "There has been no word of a change of mind by the official and so the appeal process begins - or does it? "The Irish FA rules state that a red card cannot be appealed unless it is for mistaken identity or for a ban of more than three games.

"Officials in the Irish League come in for a lot of stick as more and more they seem to be using each game to promote their own identity at the cost of the game itself.

"Assessors must be telling them they are doing a good job because things don't seem to be improving.

"The IFA backslapping and 'jobs for the boys' gravy train seems to be going strong."