We’re playing to win: Magilton

Jim Magilton says it’s important to build on recent form as Cliftonville target a strong finish to the season.

Ahead of hosting Glenavon in their final home game of the campaign tomorrow, the Reds have won their last four matches and, while he acknowledges the importance of guarding against injuries and suspensions ahead of next month’s Irish Cup Final, the boss is every bit as focused on attempting to sustain a winning habit.

“We want to make sure that we manage the squad,” said Magilton, who expects Shea Gordon to face a spell on the sidelines following the hamstring issue that forced the midfielder out of last week’s clash with Ballymena United.

“But while managing the group, we still need the incentive and the intent to win. You can’t just limp into a Final, you have to gallop into a Final, you have to have that momentum and that’s an important message to send to the players – every game matters, everything matters when you’re at this stage of the season, so we need to maintain form while managing the squad to make sure we’re in the best possible shape.”

The Reds’ march to a second consecutive Irish Cup decider included a pulsating sixth round victory over tomorrow’s opponents, who exacted revenge of sorts when they claimed three points in the sides’ Premiership encounter at Mourneview Park in mid-February – games which Magilton believes only serve to underline the challenge they will present at Solitude this weekend.

“We know what they’ll bring and we have to be prepared for that,” he added.

“Paddy McLaughlin has got them going very well and the two matches we’ve played against them in the last few months were seriously tough challenges. They’ll also want to end their season strongly and I’ve no doubt they’ll come here seriously motivated and organised to give us another really big test.”

Cliftonville v Glenavon
Saturday, April 12 (3pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid