IRISH LEAGUE: Coleraine manager Oran Kearney relishing clash with new Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle
Lyttle has been handed the Reds reins on a permanent basis after impressing in a caretaker role.
Cliftonville have gone on a seven-game unbeaten run under his tenure,including last week’s impressive 3-0 victory over Portadown.
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Hide AdOn Saturday they travel to the North West to face Kearney’s Coleraine.
And the Bannsiders boss insists he is under no illusions ahead of the test.
“Gerard is a great fella and I am delighted he got the job on a full-time basis,” Kearney said.
“He impressed during his time as caretaker manager and they are on a good run at present.
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Hide Ad“I texted Gerard after he was appointed to welcome him to the mad world of management!
“He is doing a great job and they will be looking to continue that at our place on Saturday.
“But at the same time we are on a good run at present, and we want to keep that momentum going.”
Last week’s 1-0 win over Dungannon Swifts keeps Coleraine in fourth spot in the Premiership – just one point behind Cliftonville who lie third.
“Saturday is a massive game for both clubs,” Kearney added.
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Hide Ad“Cliftonville beat us 3-0 at Solitude earlier in the season. It was a proverbial game of two halves, but they proved that day what quality they have and what a good side they are.
“So we are under no illusions going into Saturday’s home game.”