Aaron’s state of play

Aaron McCarey believes a sustained run in the Cliftonville team has helped bring out the best in him.

Snapped up by Paddy McLaughlin in January following a spell as understudy with Dundalk, McCarey has won rave reviews for recent performances and, ahead of tomorrow’s Danske Bank Premiership encounter with Coleraine, says the Manager’s trust has helped him rediscover his top form.

“I think initially when I came in, I knew and Paddy knew himself that it was going to take me five-six games to get up to the speed of things,” says the 29-year-old.

“Realistically, I hadn’t played for two years and ended up coming into the Club with a niggling injury and it held me back a little bit – I’m not one for making excuses.

“I’ve played about 14-15 games and I’m a firm believer that a goalkeeper needs a run of games. I’ve been given that opportunity and I feel like I’m starting to prove myself. I know I don’t have to prove myself to the lads but I have to with people outside Cliftonville and that.

“I really am enjoying it, it’s a great group of lads and a very talented squad. Hopefully we can have a great end to the season and see where it takes us.”

You can read the full McCarey interview in tomorrow’s digital edition of The Red Eye, which will be available here on cliftonvillefc.net ahead of kick-off.

Featuring pre-match views from the Manager’s Office, our Matchday Magazine’s 17th issue of the campaign carries all the stats behind the Reds’ recent form and a look at the Bannsiders’ title quest – plus plenty more besides.

Cliftonville v Coleraine
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