Return to competitive action with Irish Cup semi-finals

Competitive football is about to make its return in Northern Ireland, with the Irish Cup semi-finals to go ahead at Windsor Park.

In the early kick-off at 4pm, Ballymena United will take on Coleraine.

Then Cliftonville will face Glentoran at 8pm.

There may be plenty of respect between Sky Blues boss David Jeffrey and Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney, but come Monday, it will be a case of “may the best team win”.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney talks to UTV ahead of Monday's game. Credit: UTV

“I can count on one hand people who’ve had a massive, massive impact on my career and David’s probably top of that list, to be honest with you, both as a player and as a manager,” Kearney said

“He’s always there and still always is there to ask advice and everything else…

“But being rivals, there is that professionalism that’s needed as well and, come the match day, he’ll fight his corner, I’ll fight mine and may the best team win.”

Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey talks to UTV ahead of the big game at Windsor Park. Credit: UTV

Jeffrey added: “Sometimes there’s people who give me some stick when I would praise Oran and other players who have worked with Brian McLaughlin and I, who have forged a career in management.

“Oran was always a student of the game – I’m immensely proud of what he has achieved.”

No fans will be allowed inside the ground for the games and extra measures will be in place due to coronavirus, but at the end of the day, the teams are looking forward to just playing football.