[Cinny]

Coleraine v Donegal Celtic (Sat)

Rory Hamill and Tony Heagney celebrate DC's quarter-final win
Donegal Celtic hope to secure a place in the JJB Sports Irish Cup final for the first time when they take on Coleraine in Saturday's semi-final.

Striker Colm Kearney is cup-tied but DC have been boosted by the news that captain Stephen McAlorum has agreed a new three-year contract with the club.

Paddy McLaughlin has declared himself fit for Coleraine after coming through a rigorous training session.

Defender Stewart Clanachan faces a late fitness test ahead of the game.

The Bannsiders have won the cup five times, their last success in 2003, and last played in a decider in 2004.

A place in next season's Setanta Cup should also await the winners of the tie.

"We are very determined to reach the final but the tie is pretty evenly balanced," said Bannsiders boss Marty Quinn.

"We had a good win at Cliftonville last Saturday and showed decent form against Linfield in midweek.

"There is a lot at stake but hopefully our experience will bring us through."

DC manager Paddy Kelly said the match at Ballymena Showgrounds was "one we are looking forward to".

Celtic will have former Coleraine cup-winning player Rory Hamill in their ranks for the last four encounter.

Hamill scored for Dungannon in last year's Irish Cup final and netted both goals in DC's 2-1 win over Glentoran at the quarter-final stage last month.