Fit to thrill

Stephen Mallon is appreciative of the understanding Jim Magilton and his backroom team have shown during the winger’s recovery from injury.

After 13 months out with a quadricep tear, Mallon returned to action with two substitute appearances in the past week, opening his goal account with the final strike against Institute on Tuesday night, and he’s hoping for further involvement when Cliftonville host Dungannon Swifts on Sports Direct Premiership duty this weekend.

“I think there is no rush and the staff understand that,” he explains.

“It’s been a long time so they’re not going to chuck me in and expect 90 minutes straight away. It’s about building it up and they understand that, which I appreciate because, in other circumstances, you might get thrown in and that’s when reoccurring injuries happen.”

On being back on the pitch, he adds: “It was great to be out there and enjoying it again. My style of play, I want to excite the fans and get them off their seats. I feel that is something I can do if I stay fit this season.”

You can read the full Mallon interview in tomorrow’s edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £3.

Carrying Jim Magilton’s pre-match views from the Manager’s Office, The Red Eye’s sixth issue of the campaign looks back on the Swifts’ most recent visits to Solitude as well as providing your latest player poster – plus plenty more besides.

Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts
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