Coleraine brace for long haul as Coyle faces ACL setback

Coleraine’s campaign suffered a major blow as club captain Mark Coyle ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during the side’s 5‑0 UEFA Conference League second‑qualifying round first‑leg defeat by HJK Helsinki last week, condemning the 29‑year‑old defensive midfielder to an uncertain spell on the sidelines.

A medical scan later confirmed the seriousness of the knee injury for the 29‑year‑old defensive midfielder. Coyle had joined the Bannsiders from Shelbourne during the January transfer window.

Coleraine issued a statement saying, “Our medical and performance staff will work closely with Mark throughout his rehabilitation, ensuring he receives the highest level of care and support during his recovery.” The club added that everyone is naturally disappointed for Mark and that his time out remains unconfirmed.

Before moving to Coleraine, Coyle enjoyed two spells with League of Ireland side Finn Harps and signed for Shelbourne in 2021. He won the 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division title with Shelbourne and featured in every match of the club’s 2025‑26 UEFA Conference League campaign, which reached the league phase for the first time in its history.

Since arriving at Coleraine, Coyle contributed to the team’s Irish Cup triumph in May under manager Ruaidhri Higgins. The victory added a major trophy to the Bannsiders’ season.

In the same first‑leg match, defender Aidan Wilson was carried off but escaped serious injury. He is expected to be available for Thursday’s second leg at Inver Park.