Back in business

As the countdown rolls on and the long wait for Cliftonville’s return to action continues, Paddy McLaughlin says he and his players cannot wait for tomorrow night’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup Semi Final clash with Glentoran.

More than four-and-a-half months on from their last outing – coincidentally also against the Glens – the Reds will travel to Windsor Park for a behind-closed-doors showdown that the Manager expects to be eagerly fought from start to finish.

“It’s great to be back,” he says.

“Ever since we got the go-ahead to return to training, everyone’s been really looking forward to getting in and preparing for the game. I’m sure it’s the same for all four Clubs in the Semi Finals and both matches will be serious battles.

“It’s great for the players because they worked so hard to reach this stage and, when the League was shut down and everything went quiet, I think we all thought the Irish Cup was going to go the same way so it’s brilliant that we’re going to get a chance to have a good go at it.

“Fair play to the boys, they’ve come back in good shape and training has been excellent. We’ve picked up a few knocks in some of our friendlies because the intensity of those games is obviously different to what you would experience on the training pitch, so that’s been a disappointment and a frustration but you just have to get on with it and we’ll be hoping that some of them get the all-clear to play.”

Given that his players have just experienced the longest absence from football in their careers, McLaughlin believes his entire panel – not just the starting XI – will have vital roles to play when the action gets under way, with the Irish FA permitting an additional two substitutions to protect player welfare in the aftermath of football’s coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

“Everybody is important to us, it doesn’t matter whether they’re on the pitch or on the bench, we’re not going to go through a match like this without making use of our subs,” he adds.

“It’s important that everybody’s ready because this will be a real tough game against a good Glentoran side and I think everything’s set up for it to be an entertaining match.

“They’re always tough opponents and they’ve invested well at the start of the season and again in January to build up a squad that will challenge not just for the Cup this week, but also for the title next season.

“As I always say, though, if we play at the top of our game, we’re capable of beating anybody.”

Supporters Information
Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 8pm and will be broadcast live on BBC2NI, the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI online, as well as BBC Radio Ulster.

Alternatively, you can keep track of every kick on Twitter courtesy of Reds By The Minute, who will be welcoming your messages of support and pictures throughout the day.

Wherever you’re following the action from, please remember to stay safe, wear your colours with pride, keep your singing voices loud and let’s unite our respective locations in support of Paddy and the players.