High end

Jim Magilton felt it was important for Cliftonville to end their Sports Direct Premiership season on a winning note courtesy of yesterday’s 2-1 defeat of Linfield.

Liam McStravick scored with well-taken finishes either side of Chris McKee’s equaliser from the penalty spot at the Clearer Twist Stadium, where the Reds brought the curtain down on their League programme ahead of next month’s European Play-Offs.

“Liam took his goals really well and that will help build his confidence,” said Magilton, who revealed that reluctance to risk a tight hamstring was the reason behind the 21-year-old not emerging for the second-half.

“He was excellent. He’s got better and better the more games he’s played.

“He hasn’t finished a 90 minute game for some time, so it’s important to keep building his confidence. I’ve no doubt we’ll see a lot more from Liam McStravick.”

Despite fifth place in the table having already been assured, Magilton had vowed not to ring the changes to his starting XI as he seeks to generate some form for a testing end to the campaign,

Cliftonville will host either Carrick Rangers or Dungannon Swifts in the Play-Offs but whether that game will come at the quarter-final or semi-final stage will be determined by the outcome of next Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup Final, with Linfield ultimately awaiting in the decider for whoever progresses through the various rounds.

“For us, it was important because people got 90 minutes into their legs,” added Magilton.

“That was back-to-back wins for us, quite a rarity this year. It was important to finish the season with a victory, it helps build momentum and now we can start building towards the Play-Offs. It’s obviously now a waiting game until after next week’s Irish Cup Final to see what way the permutations work out.”