Neil’s up for the cup

McCafferty was a last gasp hero for Coleraine on Saturday as his 12th goal of the season secured a draw against Linfield.

The 30-year-old’s sublime free kick proved to be the last kick of the game at Windsor Park and set of wild celebrations from the Bannsiders fans and players.

But McCafferty is already focusing on this weekend’s cup tie.

“It’s a massive game for us and everyone is really looking forward to it,” said McCafferty.

“A club like ours needs to be doing well in the Irish Cup. We’ve got a home draw, albeit against Warrenpoint, who have been on a good run of late.

“Hopefully we can go into the game with as full a squad as possible.

“We will be doing all we can to win the game and get in the hat for the next round.”

McCafferty is fast earning a reputation as a free kick specialist after notching his seventh of the season against the Blues.

But he was more relieved to get the point.

“At the minute I’m striking them well and they are going in.

“It’s all about getting results and I thought we deserved at least a point today. The referee told me it was going to be the last kick of the game so thankfully it went in.

“Coming into this season I had never actually scored against Linfield before so that was always in my head before I played them.

“That’s my third in three games against them, I had actually forgot about my free kick against them in the first meeting this season.

“It doesn’t really mean anything though if you score and don’t take the points, so it was nice to come here today and get something to show for our efforts.

“We came to Windsor about six weeks ago and played really well but lost 2-1, so that makes today’s result worthwhile.

“On a personal note it’s nice to score at a big stadium for a change.

“You don’t get the chance to play here too often in the league so when you get the opportunity it’s nice to score and do well.

“I set the ball down and I asked the ref if the game would be over once I hit the free kick and he said yes. So I knew it was all or nothing. As soon as I saw it going up over the wall I knew it was in and I was on my way before it even hit the net.”