Reddy and willing

Joe Gormley says he felt ready to make an impact when he emerged from the bench in yesterday’s BetMcLean Cup Final.

Introduced by Jim Magilton after 73 minutes of a goalless encounter that had seen Cliftonville go close to making the breakthrough against Glentoran on a number of occasions, Gormley proved the difference-maker when he converted a Ryan Corrigan pass in the first-half of extra-time – his seventh strike in a League Cup decider to earn his fifth winner’s medal in the competition.

“I was ready when I was called upon and with scoring the goal, I think it paid off why Jim put me on,” said the 35-year-old.

“I thought the team were outstanding and it was only a matter of time before we scored, we just needed a little bit of luck.

“Thankfully Ryan Corrigan plays a ball like that into the box, and I was just glad to get on the end of it.

“This means a lot to me. Over the years, I’ve had my kids with my partner and everything I do is for them.

“Having them come home and away every week is massive for me. I’m a family man and love my family to bits.

“I love Cliftonville. It’s my Club. I’m a local boy from Ardoyne who over the years has fallen in love with the Club that I play for.”