Kearney is up for the fight that’s for sure

Stephen Lowry is set to be ruled out until the New Year. Photo-William Cherry/Presseye

The Bannsiders are struggling to find any consistency this season and find themselves languishing in ninth place in the table after back to back defeats against Ards and Cliftonville.

They face another daunting tie this Saturday as they travel to Seaview to take on second placed Crusaders knowing that they need to start taking points from games.

Speaking after Saturday’s seven goal rollercoaster tie against the Reds, Kearney said he was up for the fight as he had worked so hard to get where he is.

“It’s very simple, I’ve played in the old B Division and worked myself up to the Premiership and I’ve players here who have come from Champioship One and Two,” he said.

“I want to be in this league and so do they. So the motivation is very simple. If any of our players are not looking forward or are struggling to find the motivation to play at Crusaders then they shouldn’t be at this club.

“I don’t think it’s panic stations as there are a lot of teams in and around the same area, but it’s going to be a battle and a fight for us to get up and going again.

“Myself and Tommy (Breslin) were talking before the game and we were saying you do sometimes wonder where the next three points are coming from because you look at the fixture list and every week you are facing quality teams.”

Kearney also revealed he received good news and bad on the injury front at the weekend.

It has been confirmed Stevie Lowry will be out until at least February, but Ruairi Harkin will be back in action again soon.

“Stevie met with the surgeon last week and he has confirmed surgery as the best option for his injury,” said Kearney

“We are hoping Stevie will go in this week for the operation so we are looking at the end of January probably before he will be back in action again. We are trying to get everything done as soon as possible so as he can get back as soon as possible.

“Ruairi’s scan has come back and thankfully it’s better news for us. We are looking at weeks rather than months which is a welcome boost for us as we have been playing without our three first choice midfielders in the last few games.”