Boss talks up supporting cast

Jim Magilton says Cliftonville’s supporters have a key role to play as he and his team set about tackling a hectic schedule.

No side in the Sports Direct Premiership has played fewer League games than the Reds this season and tonight’s tussle with Glentoran at Solitude is the first of eight matches in 25 days as Cliftonville bid to work their way through a gruelling fixture backlog – but one that the Manager believes can be faced head-on with the Red Army front and centre.

“We’ve just got to play catch-up, win the games and see where it takes us,” said Magilton, who pointed to the weekend’s North Belfast Derby defeat of Crusaders as an example of the supporters’ driving energy.

“Saturday was marvellous because our fans came out in their droves. That is such an important aspect of this Football Club – if they’re here and it’s packed out and the noise is there, it’s really important because it drives the players on.

“The weekend showed what our supporters can do. The players need that, they feed off that and we need more of the same from everyone.

“You just have to look at Harry Wilson’s celebration on Saturday, there’s real meaning behind that; it meant something to him and it meant something to the fans and that’s what it’s about. This game is about giving something back.”

With an injury-hit squad set to be further deprived due to Josh Kelly’s ineligibility to feature against his parent Club tonight, Magilton has once again underlined the importance of his entire squad being ready to play their part both this evening and in the weeks to come.

“We’ve had a mixed run of results recently, but there are positives,” he added. “Five goals from five different scorers on Saturday, that’s encouraging.

“Every Manager can talk about injuries at this time of year, but it’s part and parcel of the game. We don’t dwell on it. I always give confidence to whoever steps in.

“It’s about managing the group now, giving minutes where we can and maintaining fitness.

“At this stage, it’s relentless. It’s about recovery, rehab and making sure the players are looked after properly.

“We can’t control the weather, but we can control what we do with our preparation and player care.

“Ultimately though, it still comes down to performances and winning games. I’d like us to be more ruthless but we’ve given ourselves something to build on as we approach the split.”

Cliftonville v Glentoran
Tuesday, February 24
Tickets: Sold out
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid
Tickets purchased for October 3 fixture valid