Magilton seeks one Final flourish

Jim Magilton says the “massive incentive” at stake in tomorrow’s European Play-Off Final will focus Cliftonville’s minds for their last outing of a long season.

The Reds’ 55th fixture of a campaign that started with last July’s Charity Shield tie sees them travel to Coleraine for a winner-takes-all showdown for the Sports Direct Premiership’s last remaining UEFA Conference League spot – and Magilton will call on his players to dig as deeply as they did for Wednesday’s semi-final victory over Glentoran.

“It’s been a long, hard season,” he said.

“Given the season we’ve had, this group of players have shown great resolve. We’ve lost a team-mate; we won a League Cup; we lost the Irish Cup Final in an agonising penalty shootout, so it’s been a traumatic time.

“After the Cup disappointment at the weekend, to turn up at the Oval in midweek to do what we did was fantastic. I can only commend the players and their attitude. Their application was first class. We now go to Coleraine in a winner-takes-all affair. There is a lot at stake.

“There is a massive incentive for the winners – a European place and the financial benefits that come with it.

“We know it’s going to be a huge task. Coleraine have a new Manager and their squad is littered with a lot of good players.

“If we were to qualify for Europe, I would rate it to be up there with one of the great achievements, I must be honest.”

Coleraine v Cliftonville
Sunday, May 11 (2pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Primary School Kids: £5
Tickets: General Sale