Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin insists the title spotlight should be shining brightest on Linfield and Glentoran heading into the business end of the season.
The Reds, who drew with the Blues on Monday night, are still right in the mix heading into Friday night's clash with Ballymena United at the Showgrounds (7.45pm).
With 14 games to play, the Solitude men lie third, just four points below the Glens and five off David Healy’s reigning champions who sit at the summit.
Asked if he’s enjoying being part of one of the most intriguing title races in years, McLaughlin smiled: “Yes, I’m enjoying watching Linfield and Glentoran battle it out for the league.
“We’re just happy to be clinging onto their coattails and that people are mentioning us every now and again. We’ll keep doing our own thing and see where it takes us.
“The focus should be on the Big Two for the title, given the squads and depth they have. Also the rivalry and history of the two clubs. The emphasis should be on them.”
Mind games or not, McLaughlin has steered the Reds, who weren’t being talked up as potential challengers in August, into the title equation in recent months.
After back-to-back defeats to Crusaders and Glentoran, his players have also shown character to bounce back with last Friday’s 1-0 win at Larne and Monday’s draw with the Blues.
A win tonight would edge them just two points off the summit with Linfield (Coleraine A) and the Glens (Warrenpoint Town H) not in action until Saturday.
“We’re just happy to be in the mix at this stage and you never know what can happen - sometimes football can surprise you,” said McLaughlin.
“Linfield are top dogs and Glentoran and Larne are trying to change that with their investment, but we have gone toe-to-toe with them and we haven’t looked out of place.”
Cliftonville have endured a dismal record at the Ballymena Showgrounds in recent years, having won just one of their last 12 Premiership games at the Warden Street venue.
The Reds’ only league win at Ballymena since 2014 was four years ago when a Rory Donnelly brace helped secure a 3-0 win in April 2018.
Barry Gray was manager and playing for the visitors that day were Brian Neeson, Tomas Cosgrove, Jay Donnelly and Ruairi Harkin.
“We have failed to come away with a victory there in recent times and it’s the kind of run we want to break,” said McLaughlin, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Showgrounds in October.
“It’ll be tough and Ballymena will want to bounce back from their midweek defeat at Carrick, but the way the boys are playing at the minute, you’d trust them to turn anybody over.”
