INSTITUTE: Discipline will be key for Caoimhin Bonner

The 25-year-old, who was sent off once last season at Newry City, conceded that being one of the few players in the ’Stute changing room with top-flight experience, he needs to remain focused throughout each game.

“I know I need to settle my head and get on the referee’s good side this season,” he admitted. “My plan is to try and have a bit of craic with them instead of shouting at them.

“Tim Marshall refereed one of our pre-season games, so I’m on his good side now, but - jokes aside - I’m one of the older heads in the changing room, so I need to lead by example.”

Bonner feels ’Stute need to take three points from this weekend’s league opener against Newry City, at the Brandywell.

“We need to be taking three points, on Saturday - big time,” he said. “We are away to Linfield the following week and we aren’t expected to get anything so we’ll probably play with more freedom.

“The Newry game is going to be tight but it’s a game we are expected to win.

“In those big games we won’t be given a chance but against the likes of Newry we have to try and take the full points.

“I wouldn’t be satisfied with a draw against Newry.”

The centre-back feels ’Stute, who will be playing Irish League football in the Cityside for the first time in over four decades, need to make the Brandywell a fortress this season.

“We really need to make it hard for teams when they come to the Brandywell,” he confirmed. “Teams won’t like coming here because it’s a big pitch and I think it will be a shock to a few teams how big it is.

“That said, I think the lads adapted to it well and, fingers crossed, we’ll get used to it quickly.”

The ex-Cliftonville man feels last year’s ups and downs, both on and off the pitch, are going to help the squad this campaign.

“Last season was tough for everyone, especially after the flood but all the lads stuck together and that made us a stronger team, so because of that I feel we deserve to be back in the top flight,” added Bonner.

’Stute boss Paddy McLaughlin bolstered his striking options this week with the addition of Darren Henderson.

“He has a good track record for scoring goals at big clubs and showed that on Saturday because he looked lively and you could see with his two goals against Derry City, he has good instincts as a striker in and around that six-yard box,” he said. “Yes, the transfer window doesn’t close until the end of the August so we’ll keep looking.

“To be honest though I’m more than happy with my squad so I don’t think I’ll be adding to it.

“Perhaps just promoting from within the club.”