BANNSIDERS RARING TO GO AT THE OVAL

Coleraine kick off their Danske Bank campaign at Glentoran with both sides having gone under a number of changes since last season.

The Irish Cup winners have lost several high profile payers including Stephen Carson, who is of course now back with the Bannsiders, but Oran Kearney is expecting a very tough game.

“The Glens are the Glens no matter what has happened or who has left,” he told Times Sport after Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Ballyclare Comrades.

“It’s a new season for everyone and I’m sure the guys they have brought in will be doing all they can to impress. It’s going to be a very tough game and with it being up there it will be even tougher.

“I’m happy with what we’ve done to date and for me the signs show how we are progressing.

“I don’t know my starting 11 yet. There’s a lot to work out yet. The Glens normally play a fairly rigid 4-5-1 and we’ll have to match that up, but it’s about how we do that and what personnel we choose.

“Either way we are determined to get off to a good start and lay down a marker for the season.

“I’ve been pleased with how our pre-season has gone both on and off the pitch.

“Pre-season is pre-season though I don’t look back over the results I’m more concerned where we are at in the bigger picture and come Saturday we’ll know that.”