Coleraine taking Crusaders cup tie 'very seriously'

Manager Dean Shiels says Coleraine are taking Tuesday's BetMcLean Cup second-round tie away to Crusaders "very seriously".

The Bannsiders last won the League Cup in 2020, which was the club's last trophy.

Coleraine defeated Ballinamallard United 4-0 in the first round while Crusaders edged past Ballyclare Comrades 3-2.

"We want to go there and try to progress to get a cup run," said Shiels.

"You are only three or four games away from a cup final. That's the way of looking at it."

Shiels admits it is a "very difficult draw" for his side, but he wants his team to carry their recent momentum into the match.

After a difficult run of form, Coleraine have responded to win three of their last four league matches to sit fifth in the Irish Premiership table.

Crusaders won the only encounter between the sides earlier in the season but Shiels was delighted with the performance, despite the defeat.

"We played so well and created so many chances when we played them in the league.

"If we can go and replicate that performance then I'd be very happy.

"It's a tough game but we do feel good about ourselves at the moment. We look like a team that is motivated and we will go there hungry to try and progress."