Mastering his knowledge

Dean McMaster admits he’s happy to learn on the job as he bids to maintain a winning start to his Cliftonville career in tomorrow’s clash with Bangor.

The Reds make the trip to Clandeboye Park a week after opening the new Boyle Sports Premiership season with a North Belfast Derby victory over Crusaders at Solitude, where midfielder McMaster marked his debut with a free-kick goal that ultimately proved to be the winner.

Acknowledging that his Irish League knowledge is limited, the 23-year-old says he’s looking forward to garnering more experience as the weeks and months progress.

“There’s been a lot of players I’ve played with and played against who have come over here, done really well and loved the League,” explained the Scotsman.

“I’ve watched a lot of it, so I knew what I was coming into and knew about the fanbase as well.

“Sometimes if you look too much into it, it kind of plays in your head, so the fact I’m coming here not knowing all the players is probably a good thing. They don’t know much about me as well, probably, so it’s something I see as a positive.”

McMaster signed up at Solitude on the same day as compatriot Alex Bannon, doubling the Scottish contingent of a squad that already contained PJ Morrison and Kyle McClelland – with the former Airdrieonians man revealing that the familiarity of so many accents has played a welcoming role in helping him settle into life in Belfast.

“The first day I came in, all the boys were saying ‘aw no, not another Scotsman’ but I think we’ve gelled really well,” added McMaster, who also played alongside Liam McStravick at The Diamonds.

“As you can see on the pitch, we’ve not been together long and there’s been a big turnaround of new players, so I think we’ve gelled well and it’s just going to get better.

“I texted (McStravick) before I came and he gave me an insight into where I was going to be staying and how things were going to be. I spoke to wee Strav a lot and he’s helped me as well.”

Bangor v Cliftonville
Saturday, August 15
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Aged 12-18: £5
Primary school kids: £2
Tickets: General Sale