Soccer

Cliftonville will see the best of me: new striker Michael McCrudden

Michael McCrudden plans to break his duck sooner rather than later with new club Cliftonville
Michael McCrudden plans to break his duck sooner rather than later with new club Cliftonville Michael McCrudden plans to break his duck sooner rather than later with new club Cliftonville

Danske Bank Irish Premiership: Cliftonville v Carrick Rangers (tonight, Solitude, 7.45pm)

CLIFTONVILLE’S new striker Michael McCrudden says it's only a matter of time before the Reds fans see the best of him as he aims to break his duck against Carrick Rangers at Solitude tonight.

McCrudden completed his first full 90 minutes in last Saturday's Irish Cup win over juniors Rathfriland Rangers and it's the first time since he joined the club last month that he's played in his favoured central striker.

The former Derry City striker has been deployed as a wide player but now that Rory Donnelly has left for Glentoran, McCrudden is hoping to establish a prolific partnership with the club's record goalscorer Joe Gormley.

Manager Paddy McLaughlin has been a long-time admirer of the 28-year-old and squeezed the best out of the striker during their time together at Institute.

“If you were to ask me has Cliftonville seen the best of me or have they seen what I’m capable of, not a chance. Definitely not, but I’m getting there," said McCrudden.

“In previous matches I was playing midfield and it wasn’t my favoured position. I was just getting away with it, really. If I get a run up front I’ll be confident of scoring. Now, I missed a good chance on Saturday against Rathfriland, I should’ve put it away. But once I get the monkey off my back, I’ll be firing on all cylinders.

“The fact that I haven't scored yet might stress some people out, but it definitely doesn’t stress me out. As long as we're winning games."

McCrudden wasn’t short of suitors during the January transfer window, but moving to Cliftonville, he said, was a “no-brainer”.

“Once I heard Paddy was interested he did his best to get me to Cliftonville. To be honest, whether Paddy was there or not, Cliftonville was a club I wanted to sign for.”

McCrudden was not match sharp upon his Solitude arrival especially with the League of Ireland clubs still in close season.

"I wasn’t getting much game-time at Derry last season. I broke my foot last March and I was in and out of the team, I never really got a proper run at it. They only played with one striker too, so that what’s why the move suited me.

"At Cliftonville, I’ve started the last four matches. The Rathfriland match was my first full match and it gave me a chance to start a game with Joe and to try and build a relationship between us.

“Joe and me have had a couple of chats just to see what he prefers and vice-versa. I think it’s only a matter of time before we click. Joe’s stats are a joke. He’s the best striker in the league and it’s a pleasure to play with him.”

McCrudden joined Newcastle United early in his career before spells with Derry City, Institute and Ballinamallard.

After just two games, McCrudden pocketed his first winner's medal [Co Antrim Shield] with his new club – and he hopes there are plenty more medals to come.

“I didn’t go to Cliftonville for the craic. I went to Cliftonville to win things. I won the Shield in my second game so it gives me a taste of it.

“It was great to be involved in the final. Fingers crossed, there’s a whole lot more to come. We’ve Dungannon Swifts in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup and we’re in a good position in the league. You want to be competing on all fronts, so hopefully I can help progress the team because I want to win as many titles as I can as that’s what you’re remembered for.”

Carrick will be still smarting from the 5-1 Irish Cup exit to Crusaders while Linfield hope to go back to the top of the league this evening if they overcome Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park in the other Premier League tie.