Rover a barrel

Cliftonville Ladies boss John McGrady has saluted his players for securing their place in the semi-finals of the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup with a game to spare.

The Reds complete their Group C commitments when they host Sligo Rovers Women this evening and, having already overcome Sion Swifts Ladies and Bohemians Women, their place in the last-four is assured – but McGrady insists they won’t be taking tonight’s game lightly as they bid to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Crusaders Strikers.

“It’s a new competition with some new opposition so it has been somewhat unknown and to qualify before the last group game is testament to the squad of players we have at the Club,” he says.

“We all know we under performed on Wednesday, especially in the first-half. That’s not to take credit away from Crusaders as they are a good opposition and were better than us on the evening. Now we just want to get back on the pitch and play.”

Though Cliftonville’s one-game-at-a-time approach has reaped dividends in recent years, McGrady couldn’t help but look forward to September’s Champions League clash with Benfica after being paired with the Portuguese giants in yesterday’s first round draw.

“It’s the biggest stage for a Club to play in and to get a team like Benfica is incredible,” he adds.

“We are all looking forward to it, what an occasion it will be for the Club as a whole. You want to be in the Champions League to play big teams and Benfica are a big team.”