Monday 17th January 2022
7.45 pm, Kick Off
Tomorrow we make our second visit of the season to Solitude to face a Cliftonville team one place and one point ahead of us at second place in the Danske Bank Premiership.
Cliftonville will be looking to bounce back after losing their unbeaten league run at Solitude this season when they lost 2-0 to North Belfast rivals Crusaders 10 days ago. That run had started with a 1-0 win over Glentoran at the start of September; Ryan Curran’s 70th minute goal the difference between the sides on that occasion.
In terms of January transfer activity, young goalkeeper Declan Dunne and experienced Central Defender Garry Breen have both departed to Dungannon Swifts and defender Ryan O’Reilly has been released from his contract due to work commitments. The only arrival so far is a replacement for Dunne in Ruadhan McKenna from Derry City, who will provide bench cover for on loan Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Luke McNicholas.
Manager Paddy McLaughlin made several changes to his side for last Saturday’s Irish Cup win over amateur league side Islandmagee. He was able to rest former Glentoran defender Johnny Addis and midfielder Chris Curran, with both likely to return to the side tomorrow evening. A hat trick for record goal scorer Joe Gormley in that game may see him retain his place with Rory Hale a doubt after being substituted in the Crusaders defeat. Others pushing for a recall to the side will be ex Glentoran midfielder Chris Gallagher and versatile former Dungannon man Kris Lowe.
Mick McDermott: “The cup game at Dergview was a tough game. They made it very difficult for us in the second half, but the important thing was to get out with a win. I’d like to thank the Chairman and everyone else at Dergview FC for the fantastic welcome they gave us and our supporters and for their great hospitality.
In the first half of our visit to Solitude in September we played very well and created three or four very good chances in the first half. We could have gone in 2-0 up at half time but they came out in the second half and got the goal and the three points in what was a good game. I’ve watched Cliftonville a lot this year. They play good football, as can we, so I expect a really good game of football.
Shay and Conor are suspended for this one, but I was pleased the new lads Sean and Michael got their first runouts for us at Dergview. Good news is that Marcus is back in full training. He won’t be ready for the next couple of games but its great to know he’s not far away from consideration. Everyone else is fit so we’ve a strong squad to pick from.”
