Rodney hoping to be ‘goal-den’ Brown at Coleraine

The 19-year-old striker, who had been attracting the attention of hometown club Ballymena United, instead opted to join the Bannsiders after his contract with Linfield ran out.

The Kells man is highly thought of in the local game with a number of clubs vying for his signature.

But Brown - who began his career with Carniny Youth and who recently resturned as special guest at the club’s dinner - feels the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds is the right place for him to continue his football development.

“Once I spoke with Oran Kearney I knew Coleraine was the place for me,” Brown told Times Sport.

“He has given so many young players the opportunity of first team football over the last couple of seasons, and that was a big factor for me.

“It has been a bit frustrating for me over the last couple of seasons as I haven’t played as many first team games as I would have liked.

“I’m nearly 20 and I need to be playing regularly. I know I will get that chance at Coleraine.”

“I have scored goals regularly throughout my career and I’m looking forward to the challenge of scoring in the Premier League,” he said.

“It was evident last year if Coleraine had scored more goals they would have finished in the top six without any problem.

“I can’t wait to get started now. I know a few guys at the club already and obviously Winkie Murphy has joined the club, which I think is a major plus as he has won everything in the game.

“It’s an exciting season ahead,” added Rodney.