Winger glad to be back playing

MIDFIELDER David McClements admits his Institute debut at Cliftonville, on Saturday, won't last long in the memory bank.

The 21-year-old, who is on loan from Coleraine, is delighted to finally get back to what he loves doing and that's playing football.

"I'm glad to get a game at last, I think it has been around eight weeks since I have played a match," he said.

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"With the terrible weather the Coleraine reserve matches were called off, so it was good to get out there and back playing but it was a pity about the result.

"We know that we didn't play well, but from my point of view it's all about getting matches under my belt, but hopefully we can get some wins in the next few weeks.

"If I can get matches and things work out then maybe I'll be able to sign for Institute next season, but at the minute I'm only concentrating on playing matches, getting my fitness levels up again and trying to help us get more points on the board.

"Then hopefully we'll be able to get something sorted out and you never know I might be back at Institute next season, we just have to wait and see."

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McClements, who has played for Northern Ireland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-20 levels, is happy to have signed for a manager who has wanted him.

"John (Gregg) has been after me for around a year and a half, so he obviously rates me as a player and good enough to play in his team, which I'm pleased to hear about, so hopefully I can come to 'Stute and do well.

"I was happy to sign for Institute, to be honest I was happy to just come and play football no matter where they where in the league, it didn't really matter, Championship or Premiership, it didn't really matter to me.

"However I know that myself and the rest of the team have to roll our sleeves up and look to bounce back after Saturday's defeat. We have to put our performance against Cliftonville on Saturday behind us."

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The Ballymoney man who had a few years with English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, is already looking forward to this Saturday's home clash against Ballymena United and is expecting a tough encounter with Roy Walker's side.

"I have another derby match for me this weekend when we take on Ballymena, but hopefully we can play better than we did on Saturday.

"Maybe string a few passes around the midfield and then get some goals, which will mean we'll get a positive result."