Doherty set to return for Comrades test

Kee believes that the likes of Robbie Hume, Stephen Curry and Stephen O’Donnell possibly starting at the weekend could be the perfect tonic for his squad, while first choice goalkeeper Michael Doherty and midfielder Gary Henderson should also be available for selection.

“At this stage of the season, it’s just keeping the freshness in the team,” said Kee.

“We have to try and avoid injuries and keeping players free from suspension.

“We also need to keep our heads and keeping everything settled.”

The Drumahoe man is going into the Comrades game in upbeat mood, as the Riverside Stadium in recent weeks has become somewhat of a fortress.

“Our home form has been good this season, and because of that I’m confident we can bounce back,” added Kee.

“Ballyclare lost on Saturday to Lisburn Distillery, which was a bit of a surprise because their home form is very good since they have come into the Championship.

“It will be a difficult game because they have some effective players, and they beat us comfortably 5-1 up there. To be honest, they could have beaten us by more that day.

“The players will be aware of their capabilities, and I’m sure they will be determined to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

“It’s taking each game as it comes and taking the challenges that come up.

“Few could have predicted a 5-5 against Loughgall. When it went 5-4 late on, at that stage your heart is in your throat.”

Kee also admits that he wants the entire team to get their focus back in the art of defending.

“There were just uncharacteristic things which happened in the game which don’t normally happen,” he stated.

“Our defence over the last number of weeks has been very, very good.

“Against Bangor for example, they got a good shout out – and we kept a clean sheet against Dundela. We just have to make sure we go back to basics in the next game and see where that takes us.”

The ’Stute gaffer is keeping his fingers crossed that his side can follow in the foot steps of Donegal Celtic, Ards and Ballinamallard United and start to move away from the chasing pack.

“There’s always been that team in the last couple of years who have made that break and I wanted that team to be us.

“There are six matches left and that’s 18 points, so we have to try and accumulate as many of those points as we can.

“It’s an old cliché and every manager uses it, but the Championship is so unpredictable that you do have to take each game as it comes.

“I can’t see us having many easy games from now.”