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Steven Crawford

Dungannon Swifts cup hero is a 'dream to work with' says Dean Shiels

Dungannon Swifts executed their game plan perfectly according to boss Dean Shiels to pull off the shock of the Irish Cup quarter-finals.

The Swifts were good value for their win as Rhyss Campbell bagged second half double, in the way his manager had hoped, to set up a last four clash with Crusaders.

"In the first half Rhyss nearly got in between Lowe and Addis a couple of times, that was the plan to use that when we turned it over," Shiels told the club's social media channels.

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"That's what played out in the second half. Rhyss was clinical in front of goal, he's got that honesty to work for the team, he's an absolute dream to work with.

"He'll take all the plaudits and deservedly so."

Not many would have given the Swifts much hope of defeating the Reds at Solitude given given they have only lost one game there all season.

Shiels, though, revealed he was relishing the trip to north Belfast.

"We knew when the draw came out everyone was probably deflated with it being Cliftonville away," he said.

"They are unbeaten at home all season, they are a fantastic team on their home pitch, but I knew deep down the surface would suit us and we would have a chance and that's what played out.

"It's a great boost for us.

"The league is obviously our bread and butter, but when you get to the quarter-finals you're only two wins away from the final.

"We reinforced to the players how special it is to play in finals, they don't come around too often.

"The carrot of coming here today and trying to get through was big."

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