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Gareth Fullerton

Irish Cup draw: Aaron Canning urges Coleraine to convert praise into trophies

Aaron Canning insists Coleraine are determined to convert plaudits and complimentary back-slaps into tangible silverware success this season.

The Showgrounds club have already booked their place in the final of the League Cup and are riding high at the top end of the Irish Premiership.

And on Tuesday Oran Kearney's side discovered their opponents in the newly-sponsored Sadler's Peaky Blinder Irish Cup - with the Bannsiders travelling to Glenavon in the fifth round on January 4 .

Coleraine have come in for plenty of praise this season for their attractive brand of football under Kearney.

But defender Canning insists trophies and medals will be the only mark of success the club should be focusing on.

"At the end of the day we want to win silverware," he said.

"You can challenge for leagues and cups, but if you don' win them then nobody remembers you. Nobody talks about the runners-up.

"If you don't go the full way, it is pointless."

Canning is enjoying an impressive second spell with Coleraine after returning to the club in the summer of 2018.

He arrived back at the Showgrounds just weeks after the club lifted the Irish Cup after beating Cliftonville in the final.

"I have never even played in the Irish Cup final, so it is something I would like to put right sooner than later," he said.

"It is the showpiece. But the league is also a massive trophy to try and win. If I had to pick, I'd probably pick the Irish Cup, but that's my personal choice.

"If we win the league we'll be happy as well, but ideally I'd like to win the Irish Cup."

The 27-year-old added: "The cup win last year gave fans an incredible story. And even the League Cup final we are into this season. It has created a real buzz around the club.

"That competition is maybe smaller than the Irish Cup, but it means so much to Coleraine .

"We want to try and win both, and we will give it our best shot."

Coleraine's trip to Glenavon was the standout tie in yesterday's fifth round draw.It was also one of just two all-Premiership ties, with the other seeing Dungannon Swifts travel to Institute.

Elsewhere, holders Crusaders host Dundela while Championship leaders Portadown travel to in-form Glentoran.

Linfield face Queen's University and last season's runners-up Ballinamallard United will be at home to Dollingstown.

The lowest-ranked team in the competition, Hanover, travel to Cliftonville.

Sadler's Peaky Blinder Irish Cup fifth round draw

Glenavon v Coleraine

Queen’s University v Linfield

Ballyclare Comrades v H&W Welders

Knockbreda v Dergview

Warrenpoint Town v PSNI

Ballinamallard Utd v Dollingstown

Institute v Dungannon Swifts
Larne vs Belfast Celtic

Ards v Carrick Rangers

Cliftonville v Hanover

Glentoran v Portadown

Banbridge Town v East Belfast

Ballymena Utd v Crumlin Star

Loughgall v Rathfriland Rangers

Crusaders v Dundela

Newry City v Bangor

(Ties to be played on Saturday, January 4)

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