Move to Coleraine has made me even better, claims new-boy Joel Cooper

The Ballyclare man was the talk of the Irish League back in January after the news emerged that he had joined the Bannsiders on a pre-contract agreement, ending a trophy-laden spell at Windsor Park.

However, he has quickly hit the ground running at his new club after finding the back of the net on four occasions as Ruaidhri Higgins' men remain unbeaten after six Premiership encounters so far.

Cooper says the change of scenery has helped develop his game even more and credits the standards being driven by the management staff on the Ballycastle Road.

"I think the way I look at a game now, I look at it slightly differently," he added.

"We play a slightly different way and I think, as a footballer, to see another style of play can only help you improve.

"I think I have done that and that's another reason why I made the move, to see a different style of play in a different football...I've been really enjoying it.

"There's a different view here and it's given me a bit of a lift.

"To win something first, to be part of something that's building, is different than when you're at Linfield. It's win at all costs, and if you don't win, you're unsuccessful.

"We're in a building phase right now and we know we're not going to be successful overnight.

"We need to build and improve as a group and a club. That's exciting to be a part of.

"I think the gaffer and the staff don't leave any stone unturned and every detail is important.

"I think that breathes through the squad and the club.”

Coleraine take on Glentoran this evening as the only two unbeaten clubs clash at The Showgrounds.

Cooper has been used to playing against the Glens for 'Big Two' rivals Linfield - but what is he expecting this time around?

He replied: "We don't go into a game thinking ‘let's keep the unbeaten run going’...that's not what you think.

"You think let's go and perform at the highest level we can and do what we can for the three points.

“It's still early in the season, there's only been four or five games, we're just interested in performing the right way and giving our supporters something to cheer for.

"We want a performance to be proud of, and if we keep doing that, results will keep coming.

"Of course, it would breed so much confidence in this group if we were able to get a good result.

"But again, it's three points. Three points is the same three points if you play anybody.

"For us, it's just another game where we look to get three points. It wouldn't matter who was coming here on Friday night, we'd prepare the same way and go into it hoping to get the victory.”