Hi °C | Lo °C Coleraine are set to lose exciting midfielder Gareth Tommons.
The 22-year-old Limavady man is jetting off to Australia in the new year with girlfriend Tara Wylie but Bannsiders' fans will be relieved to learn he doesn't fly off until after the Irn Bru League Cup final against Crusaders.
"It's something I've always fancied doing," says Tommons, a rising star in the Showgrounds success story under boss Oran Kearney.
"I had been seriously thinking about a move for a couple of years and when things weren't going so well for me on the playing front last year I talked it over with my girlfriend and we finally booked the trip."
Tommons, a civil servant based at Coleraine's County Hall, doesn't intend to back out of his long- haul adventure now that he's an integral part of a team unbeaten in the last nine matches.
"I wasn't featuring much a year ago so I made up my mind then. Now I know I'm really going to miss playing because things have changed for the better and I'm starting most games.
"I'm enjoying my football now. We are playing well and have put together a decent run of form."
Tommons, previously with Limavady United, marked his 100th appearance for Coleraine back in October, and hopes to be part of the League Cup final squad on January 28.
"I'm lucky the flight booking was for January 31 so I will still be around for the match," he says.
He found himself on he bench when Coleraine made the final against Glentoran in March 2010 and has bitter-sweet memories.
"We played so well but ended up drawing 2-2 and losing out on penalties.
"I came on at the start of extra time and it was an amazing occasion to be part of, but such a disappointment to be denied in a spot-kick shoot out."
That's why the attack-minded midfield star is hoping to be involved when the Bannsiders make the short trip to Ballymena Showgrounds next month.
"It would be terrific to win a trophy. The team has progressed under Oran and everyone is working hard to improve all aspects of their game.
"We are now up to fourth place in the league playing decent football to feet and at a good tempo."
The man who plays alongside him, Stephen Lowry, is full of admiration for 'Tommo'.
"He has stepped up to the mark and been very solid this season," says Lowry, brother of Linfield's Philip. "He likes to get forward which is a help to the forwards.
"He's totally committed, learning all the time. You can see the huge difference in his game."
Tommons, who could be away for anything between six months to a year, believes Coleraine can sustain their lofty position in the table although he says Saturday's visit to Solitude will be a big test.
"We've won there on two recent visits in the League Cup semi-final and the the Premiership so Cliftonville will be out for revenge.
"We will need to have a good mentality going there. It won't be easy."
