Former Linfield and Glentoran defender Sean Ward insists winning the Premiership title this season “has to be the ambition” for Coleraine with their favourite status “testament” to the club’s growth.

The Bannsiders entered the new campaign as favourites for Gibson Cup glory with bookmakers as they look to seal their first league crown since 1974.

Coleraine began with a 3-1 victory at Dungannon Swifts on Saturday and are preparing to host defending champions Larne this weekend.

Ruaidhri Higgins has a star-studded squad at his disposal with Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin helping fire the club to Irish Cup glory last term, while Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin was a high-profile arrival this summer.

placeholder image — Coleraine's Ben Doherty celebrates scoring on his club return in Saturday's win over Dungannon Swifts. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

McMenamin was an unused substitute on Saturday with Higgins declaring “I pick the team based on what I see”.

Coleraine are hoping to celebrate their centenary year in 2027 in style by lifting the Premiership title.

Having won league crowns and Irish Cups with Glentoran, Linfield and Crusaders, Ward knows what it takes to succeed in the Irish League, and believes Coleraine should be aiming high.

"It is (huge pressure) and it's testament to the growth of Coleraine Football Club and where they find themselves now,” said Ward on BBC Sportsound. “With that investment and all that comes with it, the infrastructure changes at the club, comes a different type of player.

"You have the likes of Joel Cooper, Conor McMenamin, Matthew Shevlin, superstars of this league who have been there for a long period of time and have outstanding quality.

"I think as a player you have to forget about the centenary year and things that come with that, it's about going out, playing football, doing your best to win games, hoping your quality shines through and being professional.

"We find ourselves in a league with four professional clubs, there's no doubt that Coleraine are a challenger for the title, there's no doubt the Coleraine players are hoping for a league title. That has to be the ambition.

"They're all good players, they're all extremely talented, and should back themselves to win the league."