Coleraine defender Dean Jarvis expecting Carrick Rangers to have 'a spring in their step' ahead of Stephen Baxter's first game in charge

The Bannsiders are the visitors to Taylors Avenue as Baxter's reign at the Amber Army gets under way.

A lot of media attention is set to be on today's contest but Jarvis says it is key that the visitors concentrate on their own affairs.

"A new manager has come in now so they'll have a spring in their step but we know it's always tough to go down there," he said.

"We know we will have to work hard to get the three points.

"A new manager kind of gels everyone together and everybody is fighting for places again.

"There might be a few players left out by the old manager and they are now back in the reckoning.

"So everybody there will be chomping at the bit to impress throughout the week in training to get into the starting line-up.

"We know what we have to do and that's putting points on the board.

"We will go down there with a game plan to try and get them."

Jarvis is one of the most experienced heads in the Coleraine changing room as Dean Shiels' men aim to get back to winning ways after successive defeats in the Sports Direct Premiership.

The ex-Dundalk ace says he is embracing his new leadership role within the ranks on the Ballycastle Road.

He added: "To be fair, I just try and play every week, train properly and do your talking on the pitch as they say.

"I felt I needed to take a little bit more responsibility in the changing room helping the younger boys.

"When the tough times are happening, it's up to me and a couple of other boys to step in and steady the ship at times.

"It's about us just helping them through it because a lot of these young boys are still learning the game and at the very start of their careers.

"It's good to have a couple of older people to show them the ropes at times because they're going to need it.

"I've had plenty of mentors and people I've looked up to throughout my career and they've helped me, so it's really important."