Sum of all Ports for Paddy

Paddy McLaughlin believes Cliftonville’s midweek victory over Portadown has set the stage for tomorrow’s trip to Larne.

The Reds travel to Inver Park on the back of a 3-0 success that kept them level on points with this weekend’s opponents at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Larne lead the way on goal difference – and their own 3-0 win over Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday negated any progress Cliftonville might have hoped to make on that front – with McLaughlin predicting a fully charged encounter between two capable sides.

“Last week was a big game against Linfield, Tuesday was a big game against Portadown and now we move straight on to another big game against Larne,” he said.

“At the end of the day, they’re all worth the same, they’re all worth three points. It’s important we prepare for it and look forward to it.

“They’re all tough games in this division, especially going to the League leaders. They’re really strong at home but we’re going into it in good form, off the back of getting a good response against Portadown on Tuesday, which sets it up for a good game.

“It’s two good footballing sides who like to move the ball and try to play through the thirds. Hopefully it’s a good game to watch and hopefully we come out on the right side of the result.”

Though tomorrow’s test is likely to come too early for Ryan Curran to be involved, McLaughlin is hopeful about welcoming the striker back from a groin complaint in the near future.

“What a player that is coming back into the fold at this stage of the season,” he added.

“He’s still up there with the leading goalscorers in the League even though he hasn’t been available for a few months, so we’ll be delighted to bring him back because he brings that bit of quality and a bit of class at the high end of the pitch. He’ll be almost like a new signing coming in now after being out for so long.”

Larne v Cliftonville
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