Rest assured

Jim Magilton is hopeful that Cliftonville can get back to something approaching a conventional routine as the Sports Direct Premiership split hones into view.

Tomorrow night’s Solitude showdown with Ballymena United represents the Reds’ 13th outing in six weeks after working their way through a fixture backlog that has left them with just one free midweek since the end of January.

With his options having been reduced amid an ever increasing injury list over the past fortnight, Magilton is keeping his fingers crossed for more positive news on that front in the not too distant future.

“Harry Wilson isn’t far away, we’ve missed his influence, just as we’ve missed the influence of Josh Kelly, who couldn’t play on Wednesday,” he explained.

“It’s about rest more than anything. We’ve not been training, it’s been about maintaining the group and doing what we can not to risk injury.

“Jonny Addis had to come off at half-time during the week and we also lost Luke Conlan. Shaun Leppard deserves a special mention because he’s been playing injured, but that’s just what happens at this time of year.

“Our job is to try and maintain the group and try to give minutes to as many players as possible.

“The one thing I will say on that, though, is that players who are given opportunities have to take them and I think some will be very disappointed with their displays on Wednesday night.”

Cliftonville v Ballymena United
Saturday, March 21, 2026 (8pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid