Paddy McLaughlin says nobody gave Cliftonville a “cat in hell’s chance” of still being in the title race heading into the final five games of the season.
The Reds were 16/1 outsiders with bookmakers at the start of the season, but with time running out they lie just a point below leaders Linfield heading into today’s top-two clash in North Belfast (5.30pm).
Win and the Solitude men, who last lifted the title under the late Tommy Breslin in 2013 and 2014, would be top dogs at the Premiership summit with four games to play.
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“I don’t think anyone gave us a cat in hell’s chance of being where we are with five games to go,” said McLaughlin, who was yesterday named Aktivora manager of the month for March.
“But within our changing room, nobody is surprised by our form or how we have played. I know how good these boys are and what they can produce.
“There has never been a doubt about their ability, but the only thing that has surprised me is their consistency and how relentless they have been.
“I cannot give them enough credit for what they have done. To be one point off the top with five games to go is incredible.”
While Cliftonville are on a roll in the league - they have taken maximum points from their last eight games - Linfield are the only team they have failed to beat this season.
The Blues knocked them out of the County Antrim Shield semi-finals, while their record in the league reads two draws and a defeat.
Asked if today would be a good time to set that record right, McLaughlin said: “Anytime is a good time to beat Linfield because they are top dogs in the division.
“They are a really strong outfit and they have a brilliant manager and man in David Healy, so to beat them you have to be at your maximum.
“It’ll be two good football sides going head-to-head and it’s a good three points on offer, but whatever happens, the league won’t be won or lost this weekend.”
Asked if McLaughlin sees any of the three title challengers taking maximum points from their remaining five games, he replied: “It will be very difficult.
“Given the intensity of the post-split games and the quality of the teams, if anyone wins their last five games, they deserve to win the title.
“Things can also turn very quickly in football. You could be out of it in a couple of weeks or you could be pulling away. All you can do is focus on the next game.
“At this stage of the season there’s no advantage for any team. We all have five games to go and anything can happen. There’s a lot at stake, but also a lot to play for.”
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