Curtis Allen cannot wait to get going again

Curtis Allen will be watching on with anticipation tomorrow as the draw for the Preliminary Round of the Europa League takes place.
Curtis Allen has only made four appearances for Coleraine since his returnCurtis Allen has only made four appearances for Coleraine since his return
Curtis Allen has only made four appearances for Coleraine since his return

The Coleraine striker has been kicking his heels in frustration after returning to the Showgrounds in January.

He was restricted to four substitute appearances before football went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Allen’s dreams of making a return to action in the resheduled Irish Cup semi-final against Ballymena United were dashed as his loan deal with Coleraine was brought to an end as his contract wasn’t extended by parent club Glentoran.

Now a permanent player with the Bannsiders Allen has the Europa League clash on August 20 in his sights, and he is hoping that they can follow on from last season’s excellent European results by Irish League clubs.

“The results from Irish League clubs last year was extremely good and with ties being one leg, then you have a good chance of going through,” Allen told the club website. “We are now fully preparing for a big game later this month.

“There is a lot of competition for places across the squad and especially in attacking areas which is what you want.

“One of the key things is that we have plenty of variety in the striking department as Skinner and Emmett McGuckin can hold the ball up, James McLaughlin and I are penalty box strikers and Stewart Nixon and Jamie Glackin can stretch defences.

“I’m sure it will be a tough decision for whoever gets the nod but I’m simply concentrating on playing as many games as I can and finding the back of the net.”

Allen is determined to make up for lost time after the frustration of missing out on the Irish Cup clash.

“It was frustrating to miss out on the Irish Cup especially with everything that went on and to be honest, it really hit me watching the lads against Ballymena United,” he admitted.

“I was devastated but I’ve been around football long enough to know that these things happen and it’s a case of sucking it up and moving on.

“I know this season I can provide a much bigger say on things and hopefully score some goals.

“Not only that, but I feel I can provide some guidance and advice to the younger members of the squad like Ben Doherty, Jamie and Stewart.”

The one plus of the season being suspended was it allowed Allen to put his recent injury woes behind.

He has been working hard on his fitness over the last few months and is raring to go again.

“It was frustrating that lockdown occurred two months after coming back but with my injury I wasn’t going to play a lot of football, so the break was the best thing that could have happened,” he said.

“I was able to train specifically and rest a lot more, and to be honest, I feel ten times better now than I did back in January, so it is great to feel it again after a long year out.

“I’m happy for the move to be officially done and over the line. Of course I knew it was coming and it would have came as no surprise to supporters, but at the same time, it’s great to get it confirmed.”

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