Aaron Traynor expecting another tough test for Coleraine

The Bannsiders bounced back from their first defeat in 18 games at Cliftonville last Saturday with an excellent 2-0 win over Larne in midweek.

Glenavon are next up for Coleraine, who are still trying to hunt down league leaders Linfield.

Oran Kearney’s men are yet to beat the Lurgan Blues so far this term having drawn 4-4 and 1-1 in their earlier meetings.

Traynor knows today’s clash will be another stiff test, and they will be coming up against a familiar face in attack.

“They are very tricky opposition,” he told the club website.

“We went there earlier in the season and everything was going rosy at 4-2, but they came back, so they have got character and can score goals.

“Obviously big Matthew Fitzpatrick who was here is now starting to score.

“They have threats all over the pitch so we have to be ready for another big test.”

Traynor made his comeback from injury in the win over Larne and he admitted he wasn’t fully expecting to get the call, let alone to be selected as a third centre-half alongside Aaron Canning and Stephen O’Donnell.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to play against Larne,” he said.

“We had a few injuries and when I got the call, I wasn’t going to say no.

“The schedule is hard on the body but there are boys in the changing room who have done a lot more miles than me and are feeling the aches and the pains.

“Alan Millar and the backroom staff are doing everything they can to wheel boys out and they’re turning in good performances which is good to see.

“To be honest, it probably took me a while to get going as I haven’t even trained for a few weeks, probably just before the Crusaders game.

“It was good to get back in, every one helped me out and it was a big shift by every player involved which helped me out.

“It was weird playing as a centre-half as I haven’t been playing for a few weeks.

“I have played in that position a few times over the last year or so and it wasn’t too bad as I had ‘Snowy’ and big Stephen O’Donnell beside me.

“They kept me on my toes which was good.”

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