Coleraine seek to extend unbeaten run against Crusaders
Thursday, 20 November 2008
COLERAINE midfielder Tony Shields may yet have a future with the club, despite being suspended and placed on the transfer list by the club last week.
Management acted swiftly following what they described as a serious breach of club discipline when the Donegal based player failed to report for the home defeat of Institute.
However, speaking to Chronicle Sport this week, manager David Platt admitted that the door was not totally closed on the former Finn Harps man.
“The situation is still the same as the club statement last week, but things change," said Platt, who has guided his side to an unbeaten nine match run in the JJB Sports Premiership.
“Tony let himself down, he let me down and he let the supporters down and now he is publicly paying for that. I'm disappointed because he had a big opportunity here to continue playing really well.
“I like Tony as a person and he has been a good player for us, but who knows what's around the corner. The important things is that his absence presents an opportunity to someone like Kyle who has taken it with both hands.
“You never say never in this game but things would have to change for the club to review its decision," added Platt.
The Bannsiders put their unbeaten home record on the line this weekend in what is surely the match of the day against joint league leaders, Crusaders.
The Shore Road club won the corresponding fixture 2-1 at Seaview back in September in a game Coleraine could, and probably should, have won.
Stephen Baxter's side were held to a scoreless draw by Bangor in their most recent outing and go into Saturday's game at the Showgrounds minus the services of centre-back and Linfield transfer target Colin Coates.
There are also injury doubts over striker David Rainey, though Platt fully expects the former Glentoran man to be in the line-up come the weekend.
“I'll be warning my players not to underestimate the opposition just because they might be missing this player or that player," continued Platt.
“Crusaders are an experienced side and they'll have a strong side out on Saturday. David Rainey is supposed to have a dead leg but I fully expect him to be available on Saturday. They have plenty of options in all departments and these days it's a squad game.
“They're doing really well this season - they've only lost two league games - so we know we're in for a difficult game. It's a big week for both teams and we want to make sure we keep our unbeaten run going.
“Every point is vital as we seek to maintain our top six place and we'll be trying to pick up all three points on Saturday," he added.
Meanwhile, former Sheffield Wednesday apprentice David McClements has spoken of his delight at signing for his hometown club, despite the fact that his registration has yet to come through from his last club, English non-league outfit Eastwood Town.
McClements says he can't wait to start playing again after an unhappy spell in England and admits he faces a fight to earn a place in the squad.
“I'm very happy to have signed, it's a club to be part of," said the 19-year-old. "Now it's up to me to work hard and to try and prove myself."
