We’ve Grades to climb: John

John McGrady says that, while Cliftonville Ladies are “satisfied” with their start to the season, he believes there is more to come from them.

The Sports Direct Women’s Premiership Champions have kicked the new campaign off in scintillating fashion, winning all six of their outings thus far, scoring 51 goals without conceding any in the process.

Ahead of tonight’s clash with Lisburn Ladies at Bluebell Stadium, however, McGrady expects the Reds to improve as the weeks unfold.

“The best word to sum up the start of the season is ‘satisfied’,” he says.

“We know we have done what has been asked of us but we also know there is more to come. The players are just starting to find a rhythm and the more games we play, the better that’s becoming.

“Lisburn Ladies are always a good test. They always work tirelessly non-stop and work so well together as a unit. They have also added some quality to their squad this year which can see them hurt you. We know they will be hurting from last week’s defeat and out to prove a point.”

Amid fierce competition in the camp, McGrady admits it can be a challenge balancing each players’ desire for game-time against the minutes they actually get on the pitch but, with additional competitions to be factored into the coming months, he insists the entire squad is primed to play a part.

“We know every minute that each player has played and from game one, we have been trying to balance that,” he reveals.

“All players always want to play but they are realising how important being part of the squad this season is. We have also added the All-Island Cup and Champions League into the fixtures which means managing this becomes so important.”