​Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin says the team expect a fit and sharp HJK Helsinki in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The Bannsiders return to Europe for the first time since 2018, traveling to Finland to take on the Finnish side. Under Ruaidhri Higgins, Coleraine finished runners-up in the Irish Premiership and lifted the Irish Cup last season, and now aim to build on that success.
“They are mid-season, so we are expecting them to be fit and sharp,” Shevlin told BBC Sport NI. “They have quality or they would not be in the competition, so we are expecting a tough game, but we believe we can win.” He added that bringing a result back for the home leg would be a really good outcome, and hopes to do just that.
Shevlin, who scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, says he is feeling good heading into the new campaign. Coleraine have strengthened their attack with notable signings, including winger Conor McMenamin from St Mirren. The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international has 14 caps and has previously impressed at Cliftonville and Glentoran. “I had a good season last year and finished strongly, so we hope to push on now,” Shevlin commented. “The signings have been top quality and have integrated into the squad perfectly.”
Before turning fully to Europe, Coleraine will face Larne in the Charity Shield this Friday, the first Belfast clubless edition of the match. “Both teams can really use it as a springboard for going into Europe and assessing where we stand, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Shevlin said.