Oran Kearney insists he won’t be losing any sleep over the simmering speculation surrounding striker Curtis Allen.
Allen has six months remaining on his contract at the Showgrounds – leaving him open to speak to rival clubs.
Kearney admitted the player is still hoping to secure a move into full-time football, but insists the former Lisburn Distillery forward is “fully committed” to Coleraine this season.
“We have most of our key men tied down to long-term deals. That’s the only way we can keep them away from the bigger fish, so to speak,” Kearney said.
“Curtis was one player I sat down with last summer, but he wants to keep his options open because he wants back into full-time football.
“I have got to respect that, and I do. I am hearing whispers of other clubs talking, but that’s football and it won’t cause me any sleepless nights.
“I don’t see Curtis’ situation changing until August time. He wants full-time football, but I can’t see anyone paying for him now when he has six months left on his contract.
“Teams in England and Scotland tend to take players on trial during pre-season, so I am not worried about Curtis putting pen-to-paper on a deal with another club until the summer.
“He enjoys it here at Coleraine, but six months is a long time and anything can happen. If he is not here next season then we will look for something else. If he does stay, then brilliant.
“We have 20-odd players in the squad and it is a squad game.
“But I can’t see anything happen before July or August.
“He is a great lad and is good in the changing room, so he is a big part of my squad.
“We haven’t seen a drop in performance. That shows clarity that he is focused on Coleraine.”
Meanwhile, Kearney could be set for an imminent move for Donegal Celtic striker Mark Miskimmin.
Coleraine last night confirmed they have released Aaron Boyd and Lee Colligan – potentially freeing up funds to bring Miskimmin to the Showgrounds.
The forward has been placed on the transfer list by Celtic, with DC believed to be interested in Dungannon Swifts striker Stephen O’Neill.
Speaking on Saturday, Kearney was playing his cards close to his chest, admitting he is “not holding out” on signing Miskimmin during the January window.
“Mark has been transfer listed, but I see that as being a messy one,” Kearney added.
“Donegal Celtic must be wanting something in exchange for their player, whether that be money or a player exchange.
“It will definitely not be money from our side of things.
“He has a year-and-a-half left on his contract, and if I was Pat McAllister I would be wanting to keep him. They want him to stay and help their relegation battle – I understand that.
“I just want to stay informed so that’s why we made contact.”
Defender Colligan has been linked with Championship 1 outfit Carrick Rangers while striker Boyd is being tracked by a number of clubs – including Dungannon Swifts.
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