Kyle McClean says last year’s title pain can drive Linfield on this season

Kyle McClean wheels away after putting Linfield in front

Coleraine's Conor McKendry attempts to get past Michael Newberry

Linfield skipper Jamie Mulgrew powers away from Lyndon Kane

Jamie Glackin enjoys the moment after drawing Carrick level

Chris McKee laps up the adulation of Linfield's fans after making it 3-1

Midfield maestro Kyle McClean admits last year’s title surrender to Larne is the driving force for early season table-toppers Linfield this time around.

Ex-St Johnstone ace McClean produced a man of the match performance as David Healy’s men made it five wins and a draw from their opening six games with a 3-1 victory over Coleraine.

McClean got the ball rolling with a terrific opener, before winning a penalty which was converted by Chris Shields after Jamie Glackin had levelled, and then his outstanding pass played a pivotal role when Chris McKee completed the scoring.

Coleraine's Conor McKendry attempts to get past Michael Newberry

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve won the League every year except for last year,” said McClean.

“It’s obviously different and the end of last season wasn’t nice for anyone. We won the League Cup, but if you don’t win the League here it’s deemed a failure, which it should be because it’s the way it’s been for years.

“We have to use that to drive us on this year.

“It’s really important to get points on the board early. Every game is massive, no matter how early in the season it is.”

Linfield, sporting a one-off red shirt to avoid a kit clash, dusted off the cobwebs following last week’s disappointing draw with Carrick Rangers, and McClean revealed his opening goal came straight from the training ground.

Linfield skipper Jamie Mulgrew powers away from Lyndon Kane

He added: “Last week was a