Ferguson will 'boost profile of league' - Higgins

Duncan Ferguson's appointment as Glentoran manager will significantly raise the Irish Premiership's profile, says Coleraine boss Higgins ahead of their Friday meeting.

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins has praised Duncan Ferguson's arrival at Glentoran, saying the former Everton assistant's appointment will boost the Irish Premiership's profile considerably. Ferguson takes charge of the east Belfast club for the first time on Friday night at Ballycastle Road against league leaders Coleraine, with the match broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website (19:45 GMT).

Higgins described Ferguson as "a huge character" and "a household name" whose presence will be significant for the league. "He'll add a lot to the league I'm sure, a big personality," Higgins told BBC Sport NI after Coleraine's 5-0 win over Crusaders. "In terms of profile for the league it will be huge and I'm looking forward to meeting him."

Coleraine, who have dropped just five points in 13 games this season, will be heavy favourites against Ferguson's Glens, though Higgins acknowledged the attention will be on the new manager's debut. "The fact that I know that all the attention is going to be on him and Glentoran next week, it's his first game in charge, so we might be a bit of a sideshow but we'll certainly be looking to take the points at home."