Coleraine January transfers

January signings so far: Mark Coyle (Shelbourne), Mark Connolly (Derry City), Ben Wylie (Portadown), Corey Smith (Glenavon - end of loan), Senan Devine (H&W Welders - end of loan), Will Patching (Carlisle United - permanent)

January departures so far: Stephen Fallon (Bangor - loan), Aidan Harris (Newcastle United - end of loan), Jack Scott (Portadown)

Coleraine have already been busy in the January window as they look to add quality players who can get their faltering title challenge back on track.

They have brought in experienced former Derry City defender Mark Connolly, who has gone straight into the side with fellow centre-bac Kodi Lyons-Foster injured.

The Bannsiders have also added more midfield depth by snapping up versatile Ben Wylie after a good half-season with Portadown.

The most important business Coleraine have done is tying Will Patching down to a permanent deal after his fine start to life on the north coast, but the capture of Shelbourne captain Mark Coyle is also mightily impressive.

The likes of Corey Smith, Jack Scott and Senan Devine have all been recalled from loan spells and it will be interesting to see if they will be utilised by Ruaidhri Higgins in the run in or will go back out on loan.

The future of 19-year-old Devine will be interesting given he scored 12 goals in 24 appearances during a productive spell with H&W Welders.

Next five fixtures: Crusaders (H, Irish Cup) - 9 January; Crusaders (H) - 17 January; Glenavon (H) - 23 January; Glentoran (A, BetMcLean Cup) - 28 January; Bangor (A) - 31 January