Cait expectations

Caitlin McGuinness has backed Cliftonville Ladies to rise to new challenges in the forthcoming Danske Bank Women’s Premiership season.

The Reds kick off with a trip to Sion Swifts tomorrow night and, having finished runners-up to Glentoran Women last term, John McGrady’s side are hoping to bridge the gap to the summit, but will have to negotiate a new set-up that has seen the top flight expanded from six to eight teams – a challenge from which McGuinness won’t shy away.

“Additional teams means more competition but I think we are more than good enough to deal with the changes,” she says.

“Every week will be a different challenge and I’m sure we’ll be able to adapt come the time.”

The 19-year-old striker, who joined Cliftonville from Sion 12 months ago, is confident that she and her team-mates can build on the momentum they generated last term.

“There is no pressure because we know we are capable of delivering,” she adds. “Although there will always be high expectation at a Club like Cliftonville, so it’s up to us to go one better than last year.”