It won’t be long before Reds see McCrudden’s quality: McLaughlin
NEW Cliftonville signing Michael McCrudden will prove to be a high-quality addition for the Reds, according to manager Paddy McLaughlin.
Striker McCrudden, who joined the Solitude outfit from Derry City, showed some flashes of his ability on Monday night when he made his Cliftonville debut as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat against Linfield.
At the Loughshore Hotel Arena today, the former Institute ace could start in the league against Carrick Rangers with Joe Gormley nursing a hamstring injury.
McLaughlin worked with McCrudden at Institute and helped turn him into one of the Irish League’s most-wanted forwards. With a host of clubs chasing him, McCrudden opted to join Derry.
The move to the League of Ireland didn’t work out and now the 28-year-old is overjoyed to have reunited with McLaughlin. The feeling is mutual, with the Reds boss expecting the best from his new recruit in the coming weeks.
“Michael came on against Linfield and did well. It was his first game in a few months because he’s been in the off season with Derry City. Getting him on the pitch was good to see as he showed a few flashes of his quality and ability,” said McLaughlin.
“It’s great that we have that quality with Michael. Hopefully with a few games and a few training sessions he will be up to speed in no time and be a high-quality player for us.”
Gormley’s ongoing hamstring issue is a concern for McLaughlin with big games, including Tuesday’s County Antrim Shield final versus Ballymena United, coming thick and fast.
“He has a hamstring problem that he has been carrying for a while. Hopefully it is not too bad,” said McLaughlin.“If it goes on he could be out long-term, so we have to be very careful.”
Carrick are ninth but looking safe in a season where they have surprised many. McLaughlin added: “They have done really well. We don’t expect anything other than a tough game.”
Meanwhile, left-sided player Lee Colligan has returned to Carrick Rangers.
GLENTORAN player/coach Elliott Morris believes the club are now ready to challenge for the big prizes in domestic football.
One of the most loyal and dedicated servants in Irish League football has seen it all at The Oval, from title glory to a takeover, from Irish Cup joy to near financial meltdown.
But the sleeping giant in east Belfast has been reawakened under new ownership with Mick McDermott and Paul Millar directing operations in a more fulltime environment.
Following Ali Pour’s takeover, debts have been tackled, facilities at The Oval improved and investment in the playing squad has transformed the Glens into a very different animal… one to be feared.
After living through so much doom and gloom, Morris, who made his first appearance for the club back in August 2002, wants to stay put and savour this exciting new era, even though his new role is primarily a coaching one.
The former West Brom youngster has appeared between the sticks only five times this season, but he’s long overdue a rest following his incredible 736 games for the club.
Set to turn 39 in May, he knows he’s not the future of the club, but, like the supporters who have been starved of championship glory since 2009, Morris can smell success once again.
“Glentoran need to challenge for the big trophies and we now believe we have a squad that is capable of doing that,” said Morris.
“In fact, other teams know that as well, and the days of the Glens being well beaten at The Oval are virtually over.
“Every team in the league knows the Glens are hard to beat now. I believe we are the best team in the league, on current form.
“It’s been 10 years since I have been able to say that at this stage of the season, but we are realistic as well.
“Our targets were to do better than last season, but we have gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations.
“I can’t say the Glens will win the league but the mindset is we have 14 games left and we want to win them. We are unbeaten in 15 games, but winning the title is a tough ask at this stage of a three-year project we are on.
“Our focus is on the next game rather than the title, but we are in a fantastic position.”
Glentoran’s competitiveness, not only on the pitch but in the transfer market, is lifting the excitement level around Mersey Street to new levels.
Players will want to join a big club flexing their muscles again, with attractive full-time contracts on the table.
But don’t ever think the club has simply become a cash machine. You need real football men, with immense knowledge and skills, to drive the project forward, and that’s manager McDermott and his assistant Millar.
Morris added: “I think we are all surprised by our progress but at the start I didn’t know Mick.
“Now I know him, I understand his mindset and how his positivity rubs off on everyone.
“He comes into a room and he has that aura about him which means people want to impress him. Him, Windy (Paul Millar) and Ali (Pour) must take im