New face on radar as Harkin exits

After weeks of speculation Ruairi Harkin has finally completed his move from Coleraine to Cliftonville.
Ruairi Harkin has left Coleraine to join Cliftonville.Ruairi Harkin has left Coleraine to join Cliftonville.
Ruairi Harkin has left Coleraine to join Cliftonville.

The former Derry City man had made it clear that he wanted to make the switch to the Reds.

However, the Bannsiders were determined to get what they felt was a fair price for the midfielder, who had one year left on his contract at The Showgrounds.

Speaking after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Dergview in their final friendly game, Oran Kearney told Times Sport in no uncertain terms that the players would only leave the Ballycastle Road IF it was the right deal for Coleraine.

“I’d love to keep Ruairi here, I want to keep him, but I think at this point he would be keen to move,” said the Bannsiders boss.

“But he’s contracted to Coleraine and has a year left on his contract and we’ll not be bullied, if he does go he’ll go for what we think he’s worth.”

It seems an accepatble offer was made by the North Belfast club over the weekend as Harkin tied up his move on Monday night.

Coleraine won’t be resting on their laurels though with Times Sport understanding a replacement for Harkin could be imminent.

Kearney wouldn’t be drawn on specualtion on Saturday however as he kept his cards close to his chest.

“I would be wanting to replace like for like in there,” he said.

“I have a couple of players in mind.”