Coleraine's Kearney 'looking forward to Irish Cup final for first time in years'

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney says this season he'll finally be able to enjoy the Irish Cup final, as previous showpieces have been too difficult to endure.

His side are due to face his former club Linfield at Windsor Park on the 6th of May.

"I've been very jealous watching the cup final these past couple of years. I haven't even enjoyed the last 3 or 4 years," he said.

"You watch other teams go and enjoy that day and you just sit begrudgingly, with an air of frustration because you want to be there."

With Coleraine chasing their first major silverware since winning the competition in 2003, Kearney knows they must take their chance.

"Life's too short, and your career is too short. You have to go out and take part in these days," he said.

"I think the whole hype for the town, for the area and for the players will be a great experience. Even things like getting measured up for the new suits."

Coleraine have been the surprise package of the league season, getting into the top 3 before the split. However, Kearney says they can't take their eyes off the Premiership simply because they're into a final.

"We've got to nail third - simple as that. From the moment we went on this run and drew in Cliftonville, that's been the aim. We have big, big fish to fry in these coming weeks."

Coleraine's next fixture is home to Cliftonville, where a win would put Kearney's side 5 points clear of the Reds.