Blue blazes

Paddy McLaughlin wants Cliftonville to be brave in their approach to this evening’s County Antrim Shield Quarter Final with Linfield.

The Reds travel to Windsor Park bidding to maintain their 100% record in knockout cup football this term and, having run the Blues close on Danske Bank Premiership duty last month, the Manager is keen to see a positive performance from his men.

“It’s a big challenge but one that we’re looking forward to,” says McLaughlin.

“Linfield away is one of the toughest fixtures you can get and we’ll have to play very well if we’re going to make it through to the next round.

“We were a bit unfortunate the last time we played them when a few decisions went against us, but the result is always the most important thing and we need to do everything we can to make sure that we’re the ones on the right side of it this time.

“We need to get on the ball, be on the front foot and give the best account of ourselves.”

With a number of players suffering niggles in the weekend’s victory over Larne, McLaughlin says it will be a case of waiting to see who pulls through before naming his line-up for this evening’s action.

“We have a few knocks to report so one or two boys might be ruled out, but we’ll give everyone every chance,” he adds.

“It’s a game everyone will want to be involved in because it’s a chance to make it through to a Semi Final and we want to do as well as we can in every competition we’re involved in.

“I’m sure the likes of Liam Bagnall will declare himself fit to play despite having his face bust open again on Saturday. He wants to play every minute of every game but what Bags says is match-fit and what we say is match-fit aren’t always the same thing!”

Ticket information
Supporters who have not yet acquired a ticket for this fixture are advised that sales will be conducted outside Windsor Park ahead of kick-off.