The mood is good: McGrady

John McGrady has called on his Cliftonville Ladies players to relish and enjoy the pressures of tonight’s titanic tussle with Glentoran Women.

The Reds travel to Ashfield Boys High School knowing that defeat would end hopes of retaining their Sports Direct Women’s Premiership crown, while any other outcome would lend further significance to the two games in hand the Champions currently hold over the League leaders.

It’s a high stakes showdown but one that McGrady believes his players are ready for.

“The mood is good,” he says of the squad’s preparations.

“We haven’t had time to think too much about the elements of this game as players have been away on international duty. We have worked on different elements that we feel will have helped us.

“We have had some sweet and sour results against Glentoran this season. Playing against the Glens is always a big game for the Club, male or female, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Asked what message he will be relaying to his side in the countdown to kick-off, he says: “Enjoy it, we have worked hard to be in the place we are now. That’s what you play football for – to play in these games. It’s like a fortune cookie, you need that little bit of luck.”