Top of the table clash at Inver Park

Coleraine are expected to include January transfer window signings Mark Connolly, James Akintunde and Ben Wylie in the squad for Friday night's trip to face league leaders Larne at Inver Park.

Senan Devine, recalled from a profitable loan period at Championship club H&W Welders, may also come into contention for a place in the travelling party.

Out of the squad, though, is defender Charles Dunne who picked up his fifth booking of the season in Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat of Linfield at Ballycastle Road.

"The win over Linfield gives us confidence going to Larne," admitted Coleraine head coach Ruaidhri Higgins.

"We'll go there and try and win the game: we won't be going there to get a point, we'll be going to try and win the game.

"Obviously Larne are huge favourites in everyone's eyes now but we have to go there and try and pick up three points.

"Mark (Connolly) brings unbelievable leadership and, if I'm being really honest, I think it was lacking in certain games, hence why we've gone after the type of personality we've gone after and we're not done yet.

"We'll bring in one or two more hopefully but with that players will potentially leave the club," he added.

Midfielder Stephen Fallon has already departed, joining Bangor on loan for the rest of the campaign, while more are expected to follow.

Jack Scott and Corey Smith have both been recalled for local spells at Carrick Rangers and Glenavon respectively with both believed to be interesting a number of Premiership clubs.

As for Friday night's game, it's a third meeting of Larne and Coleraine already, with honours even.

The Bannsiders won 1-0 in the opening month of the season thanks to a late Joel Cooper winner while Gary Haveron's side gained their revenge with a 2-1 success, again at the Showgrounds.

Coleraine's victory in midweek was a good response to the disappointment of losing the Boxing Day derby to Ballymena United and they'll need to be at their best to get anything from east Antrim.

Larne go into the game unbeaten in 12 outings and with a lead and games in hand on their rivals.

An away win, though, would suddenly make things very interesting again at the start of a New Year.