Coleraine’s McLaughlin admits ‘Confidence is high’

He may have been an unknown quantity to many outside the local area before this season, but that certainly won’t be the case now.

Especially after his spectacular strike against Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.

It was the striker’s tenth goal of what is turning out to be a very productive season, and his sixth in his last six games.

McLaughlin has scored every type of goal to date, but Saturday’s acrobatic volley against the Swifts showed his undoubted quality, and should be a front runner for goal of the season.

Speaking after the game he admitted it was probably one of the best he has ever scored.

He said: “It was a good strike, probably one of the best I’ve ever hit if I’m being honest, I was just glad it hit the back of the net instead of going over the stand!

“As I watched the goal come across I knew I couldn’t really head it as it was a wee bit far out, so I thought I would go for the volley, it was the only other thing I could think of doing.

“I’ve been striking the ball well of late both in training and in games so I was confident of getting it on target.

“I knew if I caught it right it would trouble the keeper.”

McLaughlin is full of confidence and it is showing in his play, on another day he could have been walking off with the match ball, but for a couple of great saves by Swifts KeeperAndy Coleman.

“I back myself every time I get the ball and if an opportunity opens up I’m going to have a go, I maybe could have scored a couple more today but for a couple of good saves,” said McLaughlin.

“Coming into the team has given me a lot of confidence as the manager is confident in me, so I just want to repay him.

“I just past my target today and that was to get into double figures, so I’ll have to sit down and set myself another one.

“I’ll not be saying what it is yet, but I’ll let you know when I hit it.”

Speaking about getting his chance in the top flight McLaughlin said he was delighted to repay the faith shown in him by boss Oran Kearney.

“I have always believed in myself it was just about getting that chance again,” he said.

“Oran has given me a massive platform to build on.

“The manager has given us all a lot of confidence because of the belief he has shown in us.”