Curtis Allen says he is “shocked and devastated” that he will not have the chance to play for Coleraine in the Irish Cup later this month.
The 32-year-old striker joined the Bannsiders on loan from Glentoran in January ahead of a permanent switch to the Showgrounds next season.
But with his Oval contract expiring last night and the Glens believed not to be keen to extend it for another month, it means officially Allen does not have a club for the rest of this season and therefore cannot play until the new campaign begins.
Allen had been hoping to feature in the Irish Cup semi-final against Ballymena on July 27. With the other last four clash between Glentoran and Cliftonville he would not have been able to play in a final against the east Belfast outfit but could have faced the Reds.
The forward, who was a big favourite at the Oval for six years scoring over 100 goals, says he contacted Glens boss McDermott and chairman Stephen Henderson to see if the situation could be resolved while Coleraine spoke to the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).
Allen said: “I am shocked that during this unprecedented time when everyone is trying to help each other and stick together that a decision like this would be made.
“I am lost for words and am devastated that I will not be allowed to be involved in any of the Cup matches.”
Coleraine, who have already qualified for next season’s Europa League after finishing second in the coronavirus and controversy hit Irish Premiership, are going for a knockout double having clinched the League Cup earlier this term.
If Oran Kearney’s team lift the Cup, third placed Crusaders will join them in the Europa League with title winners Linfield playing in the Champions League.
