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Steven Crawford

Stephen O'Donnell wary of threat posed to Coleraine by familiar face

Stephen O'Donnell is well-aware of the threat posed by Loughgall and one familiar face in particular.

Striker Nedas Maciulaitis has been a key man for the Championship outfit since joining from the Bannsiders back in 2020.

Despite only having a brief spell at The Showgrounds O'Donnell knows first-hand the qualities the Lithuanian striker possesses.

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"Nedas is a good player, we've obviously seen him up close and personal," said the Coleraine captain.

"He's got ability, he can run in behind, he can drop the shoulder and he's got a trick in his locker as well.

"He's scored a lot of goals over the last couple of seasons and it wouldn't surprise me if he was to get a move in this window or the next.

"For us on Saturday it will be about trying to contain him and stop the supply to him.

"If you're caught one-on-one with him you're not where you would want to be.

"But if you can contain him and have bodies around you I think we'll be alright."

O'Donnell lifted the Irish Cup for the Bannsiders back in 2018 and he would love to repeat the feat again, but he knows Saturday's fifth round tie will be a real test for them.

"The Irish Cup is special to Coleraine, we've had some good memories and some disappointing ones in recent years," he said.

"Saturday will be the toughest fifth round tie we've had in a long time.

"We have to do the business and hopefully get into the next round."

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