Ruddy’s United return ruined by cup exit

The 19-year-old left-back was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up after being out for four months with a broken foot.

“I had played 45 minutes, 60 minutes and then 90 for the Reserves so I was probably a bit surprised to be straight back in to the first team,” said Ruddy.

“The decision was made after training on Thursday night and I knew from Friday so I was mentally prepared.”

Despite an assured performance from the youngster, United crashed out of the competition thanks to David Scullion’s last-gasp goal.

“Losing against your local rivals is hard to deal with, especially with the sucker punch at the end.

“There was just silence in the dressing room, everyone was speechless.

“It was heartbreaking because I thought we were the better team and dominated long periods of the game.

“Football is a cruel game and it just showed that old saying was true about being most vulnerable when you’ve just scored a goal.

“We have a chance to put it right this week – I know it’s not the same occasion and that the fans are disappointed at going out of the cup but there are still league points to play for to try and move up the table.

“It’s still mathematically possible to reach the top six – that’s where we want to be, playing against the big teams.

“Time and matches are running out for us and if we don’t beat Coleraine this week it will become even more difficult but we’ll go out and give it everything.”

On a personal note, Ruddy was delighted to return to action, after impressing in the early part of the season having been plucky from obscurity by then reserve team manager Clifford Adams in the summer.

“It’s great to get back playing again. I’ve been out since October but it felt like twice as long to me.

“It was difficult because it was at a time when the team was struggling and I just wanted to try to help.

“Unfortunately throughout my career so far I haven’t been one for getting hamstring strains or something like that – when I’ve been out injured it’s been with broken bones and fairly lengthy injuries.

“I had an idea it was bad at the time but I was hoping at that stage that it wouldn’t rule me out of the County Antrim Shield final – little did I think it would be another couple of months after that before I was back,” added Michael.