Ben Doherty’s full focus on Coleraine trophy challenge

The 23-year-old can look back on 24 goals in 60 appearances since a January 2019 switch to the Bannsiders - and look forward to continued progress following pen-to-paper on a deal that now runs until the end of 2022/23.

“I want to be a part of that as we are challenging for trophies and there’s not much point looking elsewhere when you have everything you want here,” said Doherty on the club’s official website. “I have a good relationship with the fans, the management staff and there is a real togetherness amongst the squad.

“I’m delighted to get it over the line, and to be honest, it didn’t take very long.

“A few days ago, Oran and I had a chat about how the club is progressing and I was more than happy to sign.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I feel like I am contributing with goals and assists.”

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney singled out Doherty’s versatility.

“We are not big in numbers in terms of our squad but what we do have is a lot of quality,” said Kearney on the club’s official website. “We have been working hard not only about today and what’s straight in front of us, but also in the long-term.

“Ben – like Jamie Glackin – has been a massive part in the success over the last year or so and hopefully will be a huge part of the success moving forward.

“It’s testament as you don’t get players like that who are all versatile as Ben played right midfield, left midfield, as a number 10 and upfront for spells against Glentoran.

“Although we only have a squad of 20 players, when you have players like that, you have that feel of 23 or 24 players due to their versatility.”