Higgins remains hopeful of getting red card rescinded

Coleraine head coach Ruaidhri Higgins says he remains 'hopeful' that he will be in the dug-out for the Boxing Day derby at Ballymena United after appealing his red card from Friday night's defeat at the Oval.

Higgins and his assistant Kevin Deery were both dismissed in added time at the end of the 2-1 defeat to Glentoran, while midfielder Dylan Boyle was earlier sent packing for a tackle on Michael John Kamara.

All three were expected to miss Friday's eagerly anticipated clash at the Warden Street Showgrounds but it appears the management duo may earn a reprieve with a hearing into their dismissals believed to be pencilled in for Christmas Eve.

"The appeal's in so we're just waiting to hear," Higgins confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday.

"I was frustrated that a decision that went against us: it was in the 92^nd minute, we'd just conceded a goal with nine players on the pitch.

"I was frustrated, but I didn't use any derogatory language at all and I didn't leave my technical area.

"I appealed a decision, I was frustrated about the decision and got sent off for it.

"I would be hopeful of being in the dug-out on Boxing Day but, again, I understand there's a process to go through," he added.

The Bannsiders' boss is also sweating on the fitness of a number of players who went off injured in the loss to the Glens.

Midfielders Jamie Glackin and Will Patching hobbled off in the first half while Cameron Stewart was unable to continue after suffering what appeared to be a head injury late in the game.

"With the Cameron Stewart one, we are going down the best route – we're dealing with the top man in the English Premier League in terms of head injuries or around that area," continued Higgins.

"If Cameron takes the field of play he will have gone through all the right channels, he will be 100 per cent to play, but we won't be taking any chances if he's not.

"Yes, Boxing Day's a big game, but our players' health is far more important than any outcome of a football match.

"If there's any way Cameron Stewart is at risk he won't play, but if he's 100 per cent clear in that area then we'll see.

"Any other club will be in a similar situation where they might give players right up until the morning of the game to declare themselves in or out and that's what we might have to do with Jamie and Will.

"But it's not just them – there's lads, a lot of lads have played through injuries and are putting the team first which I admire - so there has to be a wee bit of common sense too.

"We've a brilliant group of lads here, a new group that are forming a good bond, and it's about keeping them fresh, keeping them happy and getting them out there on the pitch.

"All clubs are getting injuries at this time of the year so whenever I talk about us having problems I understand all other 11 clubs in our league are in a similar boat."