Oran Kearney rewards Coleraine's rising stars with Europa League inclusion
There was a special moment for two of Coleraine's rising stars when boss Oran Kearney told them they would be part of the squad for Thursday night’s clash away to NK Maribor in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.
Lewis Nevin and Caiolan Brennan will be on the flight to Slovenia on Wednesday morning with Kearney revealing their inclusion is a ‘reward’ for all their hard work to date.
Both players regularly train with the first-team squad with Brennan making his senior debut against Warrenpoint Town in the 2018/19 season, with Nevin making his bow in Coleraine colours away to Carrick Rangers in January of this year.
“The trip will prove to be a memorable footballing experience for Caiolan and Lewis,” Kearney told the club website.
“They have done a lot of training with the first-team squad in recent months and this is a reward for working hard, as well as showing the pathway that exists from the under age squads right through to the first-team.
“With us not having Curtis Allen and Steven Douglas available due to work commitments, it will also provide us with additional cover.
“Caiolan and Lewis both trained last Saturday and I phoned to tell them the news and they were delighted and it is something they will remember for a long time.
“It also shows the good work that goes on behind the scenes, and whilst Caiolan and Lewis are involved in the first-team picture, there are three or four others who are knocking on the door.”
The Bannsiders jetted off from the International Airport on Wednesday morning ahead of their game with NK Maribor.
Glentoran, who also play in the first qualifying round on Thursday evening, were also off on their travels as they made the short hop over the Irish Sea for their game against Motherwell.
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