No tougher test than facing the Blues, says Mclaughlin

CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy Mclaughlin believes his boys have a big act to follow when they face Linfield tomorrow at Windsor Park.

The Reds produced their most complete performance of the Danske Bank Premiership campaign when they demolished Portadown at Solitude with a display of pace, power and deadly finishing last weekend.

After losing their three previous games, it was just the tonic Mclaughlin and his team needed before a daunting trip to the champions.

Striker Michael Mccrudden was the chief tormentor, bagging his first hat-trick for the Reds, while new boy Daire O’connor bagged a glorious double after emerging from the bench.

“Michael’s hat-trick maybe wasn’t the prettiest, two scruffy goals and a penalty kick, but I’ll take that every day of the week, I’ll not be complaining,” said Mclaughlin.

“That was Michael’s first hattrick for the club, so hopefully it’s the start of a lot of goals to come from him.

“Michael is top drawer, he’s a quality striker. Yes, the first one was messy, and the goalkeeper will probably not be happy for his part in the second, but Michael dispatched the penalty kick brilliantly. It was a good all-round team performance, but I think Michael deserves a pat on the back for his three goals.

“I was also thrilled for Daire, who opened his goal account. He’s a young boy who has come from the other end of the country — he’s come from Cork, but has now moved up to live in Belfast.

“He wants to concentrate on playing football and doing the best he can for Cliftonville. We are trying to get him as much game time as we can to get him up to speed in terms of match fitness because he hasn’t played a lot of football in the last couple of months. I thought he was excellent when he came on.”

Mclaughlin admits his team will require the same mindset and commitment for their trip across town.

“It’s another tough game, you never get things easy at Windsor Park,” he added. “There is no tougher game than being away to Linfield, the home of the reigning champions.

“We’ve got to be on it from minute one, just as we were last week against Portadown. We’ve got to defend well and attack with pace and power, just like we did last week.

“If you want to come away from Windsor Park with any joy, you’ve got to be on top of your game. That’s what we’ll be targeting.”