Boyce told his future is not with the Bannsiders as he’s put on the list

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney has told the player his future lies away from the club and said he wouldn’t be getting a squad number for the forthcoming season.

Boyce – who has one year left on his contract with Coleraine – has attracted interest from Ards and Dungannon Swifts this summer. And Kearney hopes the player can secure first team football elsewhere in the Irish Premiership.

“I have spoken with Darren and told him of my plans for next season and he knows that he won’t be part of the first team,” Kearney said.

“We now obviously have Gary Browne signed from Linfield and I expect Shane Jennings to hit the ground running come August. Those two players would be ahead of Darren so his first team opportunities will be limited.

“I just feel that at 27 years of age that Darren should try and find a club where he can play regular football. Coleraine Football Club will stand by his contract, but I wouldn’t want to see Darren labouring in the reserves.

“There has been some interest in Darren this summer but any decision will have to be made by him.”

Meanwhile, Kearney admits he is planning for next season without striker Curtis Allen. Allen is believed to be keen on a move across the water.

“I haven’t heard from Curtis since the end of last season, so I am not sure what he is at,” Kearney added. “But I don’t expect him to be a Coleraine player next season. I am planning ahead, and resigning him wouldn’t fit in with the club’s budgetary plans.”