Kane delighted to be back in action again after pre-season injury

The energetic full-back – who has represented Northern Ireland at youth level – made his return to action in Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership defeat against Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

“I am absolutely buzzing to get myself back involved with the first-team. I have been to all the games so far this season and watching the lads makes the injury harder to deal with, so I was delighted to get back on the pitch again,” he said.

“I am now back into full fitness and ready to fight for my place in the team. It won’t be easy as the competition for places this year is brilliant, and I feel this is bringing the best out of the players in the squad,” Kane told Times Sport.

Kane managed to play 90 minutes for the Reserves against Dungannon last week and hopes he can put the injury setback to one side and concentrate on his football.

“It felt good to get some game time and I’ve been back in training the past two weeks to try and get myself back to the level of fitness I was at before my injury,” said Kane.

“Getting some minutes under my belt was vital and I am glad to say I came through the match injury free and managed to play the full game.”

Kane has been impressed with the Bannsiders’ start to the season and praised the contribution of his fellow younger players in the squad.

He said: “I think the team has been super so far this season and all the lads have come together well. The atmosphere in the dressing room is absolutely brilliant and we work extremely hard for each other.

“The rewards are starting to show on the pitch, but it is important that we maintain this level that we are playing at the minute. I think if someone offered us 12 points out of a possible 21 at the start of the season we would have been very happy given the quality of the opposition,” added Kane.

“I feel all the younger players have had a really good start to the season and seeing them performing well makes me want to join them on the pitch. We all need to take each game as it comes and we can’t take things for granted as the Irish League is very competitive.

“The senior players along with the coaching staff are a huge help to us younger lads as they set a great example and help us improve our game. I feel we have all improved in the last six to twelve months, but there is still much more to come as long as we keep working hard.”