Senior service

Caoimhin McConnell admits the elevation to senior football has been tough, but reveals his Cliftonville team-mates have made the transition an enjoyable experience.

Though international duty precludes the 17-year-old from featuring in tonight’s Danske Bank Premiership encounter with Institute at Solitude, McConnell has backed the Reds – who welcomed defender Damien McNulty back to training last night – to put their recent stumbles behind them and return to winning ways.

“It’s tough stepping up,” he says. “Everyone is really good and helping me get used to playing. You feel confident when you are with the boys from the team and you can express yourself.”

On this evening’s clash, he adds: “Hopefully [we] get the three points and bounce back from the setbacks we’ve had.”

You can read the full McConnell interview in tonight’s edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £2.50.

Alongside boss Barry Gray’s pre-game views, The Red Eye’s fifth issue of the season carries your latest player poster and steps 111, 42 and 19 years back down memory lane, plus plenty more besides.

Our Matchday Magazine has attained a top-three position in the NI Football Programme Collectors’ annual awards poll for the last seven seasons – assuming the runners-up position on six of those occasions – so, if you’re not a regular reader, why not take a look at what you’ve been missing out on?

Matchday Partner
Dáithí Mac Gabhann

Admission
Tickets are not required for this fixture and spectators can pay cash at the turnstiles.

Adults: £11
Concessions: £7

Members Tickets, Season Tickets and Family Tickets are valid for this match.