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Conor McLaughlin
Paddy McLaughlin says Cliftonville is looking forward to more memorable times in County Antrim Shield as they prepare for tonight’s semi-final encounter with Glentoran
The Reds lifted the silverware in dramatic circumstances in January, when goals in the seventh and eighth minutes of added time saw them snatch glory from Ballymena United in a final knockout at Windsor Park
Their journey to the last four of this season has been relatively straightforward with Knockbreda and Dundela sent off in the opening rounds of last month and, although east Belfast again provides the opposition tonight, McLaughlin is well aware of the progression of the class that the Glens will represent
« It’s another great game for us and we had a few early in the season, » he said
« It’s not been that long since we played Glentoran in the league, so while you can tell the two teams know each other a lot, at the same time Mick McDermott has a huge choice to choose from. and he can mix things up entirely if he wants
« It doesn’t matter who he chooses, whether it’s the same team as last time or eleven completely different players, it’s going to be a tough game That’s what you’re guaranteed against Glentoran We have to guarantee that we can make it difficult for them again «
After defeating McDermott’s men in the opening weekend of Danske Bank Premiership’s new tenure, the Reds doubled their points tally with a comfortable loss to Carrick Rangers this weekend, but McLaughlin admits that ‘he is already concerned about the impact of injuries on his team
« Injuries are a big part of football and you’d expect them to take their toll, maybe a dozen games in the season, but we had only played two and we were already worried about one. little of the disappearance of a few boys »added
« Garry Breen and Levi Ives haven’t recovered from being forced to leave against the Crusaders last week, and then Chris and Ryan Curran weren’t fit enough to start the game against Carrick so it was was a matter of management things the best we can
« We will never find excuses, however We want to win this game and move on to another final
« The competition has great memories for us after what happened last season A massive crowd came for us and we delivered both of those goals to the death and we would love to have the chance to continue and defend the trophy in another final «
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County Antrim Shield, Linfield FC, Larne FC, Glentoran FC, Cliftonville FC, NIFL Premiership, Inver Park, Ballymena United FC, Belfast
World News – GB – Injuries are already wreaking havoc on Cliftonville, says McLaughlin as Glentoran waits in County Antrim Shield semi
