Conor McDermott is back playing football with a smile on his face again.
The 25-year-old has had his battles on and off the pitch in recent years, experiencing some dark moments as he fought to overcome a crippling gambling addiction which almost cost him everything.
Repairing relationships and rebuilding his football career followed as he got his life back on track.
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This summer Oran Kearney brought the talented defender to Coleraine following a three-year spell at Cliftonville, and McDermott says it is the "most enjoyable football" he has had in the last few years.
"I'm feeling great," he said.
"For me getting my life back was more important than football, but things have really come together well here.
"It's the most enjoyable football I've had in about five or six years.
"The love and the warmth I've felt since coming to Coleraine has really helped me get back to myself again from a footballing point of view and off the pitch as well.
"I thank everyone for the way they have treated me."
McDermott heads back to his old stomping ground this evening as Coleraine take on Cliftonville in the BetMcLean League Cup semi-final.
He was part of the Reds squad which defeated the Bannsiders in last season's dramatic final coming back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 after extra time.
McDermott says a few of his new teammates will be hoping to put the record straight this evening and knock the holders out.
"I don't like to use the word revenge but it's a chance for the boys to get one back," he said.
"I'm sure it was a gutting feeling for the boys last season especially given how well they started the game.
"Coleraine were very good on the day until a few mistakes let Cliftonville back into the game.
"So I'm sure the boys and Oran will be right up for it on Tuesday as well as myself.
"Cliftonville are a top team and I had a great three years there. Paddy has got a great side up there and last year I couldn't get a kick.
"That shows how much quality there is up there.
"You love playing in the big games, that's what football is all about."
The former Derry City man has become an integral part of the Bannsiders defence and is also a key attacking threat rampaging down the right-hand side.
McDermott finally bagged his first goal for the club in Saturday's 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts after weeks of threatening to do it.
"Ever since I signed I have been saying to the boys every week that I was going to score," he said.
"It has been over three years since my last goal, so it was long overdue!"
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