IRISH LEAGUE: Determined Kearney demands fast start from Coleraine

The Bannsiders are still on a high following last week’s dramatic Irish Cup penalty shoot-out win over Ballinamallard United – after battling back from being 2-0 down.

Kearney hailed the courage and commitment of his team, but admitted they can’t afford another “false start” against Barry Gray’s troops.

“Warrenpoint are battling for their lives – they’ve drawn their last three league games, so they will want to maintain that momentum,” said Kearney.

“We can’t afford to gives teams a start like we did last week. It was a crazy game. There were only a couple of seconds remaining when we equalised.

“Fair pay to the boys, they kept going and duly got their reward.”

Kearney will have a full squad available for the trip to Warrenpoint.

He added: “I don’t think it will vary much from last week. We are only one point behind both Cliftonville and Linfield, so it’s vital we take three points.

“Although Daniel Hughes has now left the club, Warrenpoint have added a few fresh faces, so that always brings an added buzz.

“It raises expectation levels, so that is something we have to deal with.”

Kearney last week snapped up teenager Mark Edgar, who was released from Blackburn Rovers. He’ll be added to the list of ‘kids’ emerging through the Showgrounds ranks, including Adam Mullan, Lyndon Kane, Jamie McGonigle and Brad Lyons.