McLaughlin agrees two-year contract extension

James McLaughlin is mobbed by his Coleraine team-mates as they celebrate his wonder goal against Dungannon Swifts.

This year’s top scorer has been in sensational form for the Bannsiders since joining from junior side Ballybogey in he summer.

His goal in the 4-0 win over Portadown last Saturday was his 11th of the season. Boss Oran Kearney told the club’s official website he is delighted James has hit the ground running.

“I’m delighted for James,” he said.

“A few people might have questioned whether he would stick at it or make the step up so smoothly when he signed, but I always knew James had the ability.

“He has proved that already,and he is showing more and more as every week passes. He is getting fitter and is making such an impact and contribution to our games.

“He has earned this new deal with what he has done so far, but I have said to him this is only a start.

“James is making up for the last four or five years when he should have been playing at this level.

“He still has something to prove,and I will be expecting to see the same hunger and desire over the next few years.”