Patterson plays down speculation

But the 25-year-old has distanced himself from newspaper speculation linking him with a move away from the Bannsiders.

Patterson has been a roaring success at The Showgrounds since his return home from England in the summer and is said to have attracted admiring glances from several clubs both here and on the mainland.

The striker, who has hit 19 goals so far this term, admitted he was flattered by the reports but said it was all just speculation.

"It's flattering when people are linking you with bigger clubs but to be honest most of it is probably all talk, I'm certainly not aware of anything concrete in the pipeline on that score," he said.

"Opportunities don't come knocking that often in life, every footballer in my position would love another go in the professional game. But, at the moment I'm enjoying life at Coleraine, David Platt is building a good young side and our form has been pretty decent.

"The thing that attracted me to Coleraine in the first place was the fact that I knew quite a few of the guys, especially the Derry boys before going to England.

“And to be honest that in no small measure has helped me to settle in so quickly."

Patterson's form is one of the main reasons why the Bannsiders are being talked about as challenging for silverware again. And the forward has the CIS Cup in his sights, even if it does mean him putting one over his good mate Neil McCafferty.

"We're certainly in with shout of picking up a trophy," insisted Patterson.

"Both Dungannon and ourselves will probably feel that we got the best possible draw and again both sides will fancy their chances. I'm relishing playing Dungannon, I know Neil McCafferty particularly well, so it should be a good occasion.

"In general terms, there is a lot of potential in this Coleraine side. That day against Glentoran was some performance.

“We have a lot of attacking options and on a big pitch we certainly possess the potential to do damage to any opposition.

"We are best going forward and to be honest we should probably play more with that in mind."