EURO GLORY IS KANE'S GOAL

Coleraine Lyndon Kane celebrates winning a penalty shoot-out against Ballinamallard United during Saturday's Tennents Irish Cup 5th Round match at the Showgrounds.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye — Coleraine Lyndon Kane celebrates winning a penalty shoot-out against Ballinamallard United during Saturday's Tennents Irish Cup 5th Round match at the Showgrounds. Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

The local lad, who has been in impressive form all year, has been selected for Northern Ireland Under-19s for the forthcoming European Championships Elite Round in Holland.

But the 19-year-old is aiming for double Euro glory by helping the Bannsiders qualify for European football.

Oran Kearney’s side have secured their place in the European Qualification Play-offs and Kane believes the quality is there to seal the much-wanted place.

“I think if someone would’ve offered us at the start of the season that we would be in the position we are in right now, we would’ve taken it,” Kane told Times Sport.

“The manor of the defeat in both cups hurt, but it definitely makes us hungrier to achieve European qualification so that we have something to show for quite an impressive season.

“It will take a massive push from now until the end of the season, but there is no reason that we cannot qualify, because the quality is there.

“Also it would be great to get something this season to give back to the fans, they have been brilliant this year.”

Kane, along with several other young players, has  established himself in the first team this season, and has earned a number of admirers with his impressive displays.

With Brad Lyons and Chris Johns on stand-by for the Under-19 and Under-21 squads respectively, Mark Edgar only missing out through injury, the future is cedrtainly bright at The Showgrounds.

“It shows the club are doing everything right in order to improve and move forward,” said Kane.

“However, without Oran showing faith in us younger players then we wouldn’t be progressing the way we are.

“I am extremely happy with my own performances this season and it feels good to contribute to the team.

“My injury at the end of pre season was a real blow to me, but to be honest it made me even hungrier to come back stronger and improve my overall play from my debut season

“I grew up being a Coleraine fan, so to be able to have played 40-plus games already it’s amazing.

“I’m really enjoying this season especially, there is a great bond within the squad with the young and old players, a laugh a minute every time we are together.”