FOOTBALL: Coleraine boss standing firm

Platt faces big decisions on and off the pitch which could have a major bearing on the Bannsiders season.

Coleraine welcome Limavady United to The Showgrounds tonight (Tuesday) for the North West Cup semi final before entertaining Donegal Celtic in a crucial Carling Premiership clash on Saturday.

In between times the Bannsiders are set to make their decision as to whether or not they pursue their interest in an English-based striker.

Times Sport understands that Platt will meet with the board before tonight's game to discuss whether the move is feasible or not.

Platt told Times Sport that he feels the player, who has played in the Scottish Premier League as well as the Championship in England, can make the difference.

"He's a goalscorer and that's what we are crying out for at the minute," said Platt.

"We were spoiled last season with the partnership Rory Patterson and Darren Boyce formed, but it shows you the value of having someone who can score goals.

"I've done all I can to sell the club to the player now it's up to the board to see if its feasible for the club financially. If it doesn't work out I still have a couple of other options, but I may still just go with what I've got."

Platt knows pressure is mounting on the field for his side to start putting results together, but he says he's not approaching this week any differently from previous games.

"Some people may say this is a big week for me but to be honest every week is a big one," he said.

"I am sure other people out there who aren't in jobs at the present time are anxiously sitting waiting to see what happens but you can rest assured that David Platt will not be walking away from Coleraine.

"Of course I am under pressure. Pressure can be good if you know how to deal with it.

"The chairman has given me the dreaded vote of confidence and that's okay.

"I will know myself when my time is up and I don't believe it is at this present moment in time.

"I feel that it's time for the players to step up and take responsibility too. I brought players to this club who I felt were fighters and had the desire to go and win things.

"It's up to them to show that now. They shouldn't be uptight, they should be looking forward to going out there and putting things right.

"I will be doing all I can to keep them relaxed and focused, but it's important that we go out there as a unit and get it back on track. Something has got to give for us."

Platt says he'll treat tonight's game with 'respect', but he says his hands could be tied with who is available.

"Unfortunately I may not have a lot of say as to who plays," reflected Platt.

"Aaron Black is out and there's three or four other players struggling with knocks.

"We will still have a strong side though and we will be going out to get a positive result ahead of Saturday crucial game against Donegal Celtic."

Meanwhile, the club has passed its condolences on to the Watt family following the passing of the late Jim Watt's wife Sadie.