ToalsBet.com Co Antrim Shield quarter-final: Cliftonville v Linfield (tonight, Solitude, 7.45pm)
IT’S only a matter of time before Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin takes the “shackles off” teenage sensation Sean Moore - and he could in the Reds’ starting line-up to face Linfield in tonight’s Co Antrim Shield quarter-final at Solitude.
McLaughlin says they must be careful not to rush the precocious 17-year-old attacker, but admits the young player’s claims on a starting berth are becoming irresistible.
Moore has already made some impressive cameo appearances for the Cliftonville first team this season, with McLaughlin finding it difficult to downplay just how special the teenager is.
“He’s an incredible talent, as good a talent coming through at that age that I’ve seen,” said the Reds boss.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on the lad and we’ll mind him properly but we’ve definitely got a diamond in Sean Moore.
“Hopefully he’ll have a couple of seasons with us at least because he’s going to be a key player for us in the near future.”
He impressed in his last two games from the bench – against Newry City and Crusaders – and could be one of a few young players given the chance to impress this evening.
“We’re trying to filter him into the team because he’s young but eventually we’re going to have to take the shackles off him and play him from the start, which is coming very soon.
“Sean is strong, he has the ability to go past people and has very good technical ability. He has great pace from a standing start and his all-round game is good. And his attitude is first class. He’s a good athlete and ticks all the boxes for the modern game for a modern winger.”
Moore, a north Belfast native, was introduced to the club’s first team during last year’s pre-season training but was only 15 at the time and played most of his football for Marc Smyth’s U20 team.
“There’s a good chance he’ll start against Linfield,” McLaughlin acknowledged.
“There are a few players who have knocks and niggles so we’ll rotate a couple of players but it’s a good chance for some of the younger players to come in and test themselves against the league champions. Our squad isn’t the biggest but this is a good opportunity to get players some minutes in their legs in front of a big crowd.”
Levi Ives is still on the long-term injury list and fellow left-back Aaron Traynor is carrying a knock. But exciting winger Stephen Mallon is close to a comeback after sustaining a quad muscle injury after an explosive start to his first season at Solitude.
“Stephen Mallon is close,” McLaughlin said. “He was flying when he was playing for us. Hopefully it won’t be too long.”
With the Reds sitting in third spot in the Irish Premiership and still in the League Cup and Shield, McLaughlin is content with their start to the season.
“We’re happy with the way things are going. We’re going quietly about our business and going below the radar, not making too much noise, which is good.”
ToalsBet.com Co Antrim Shield quarter-finals: Cliftonville v Linfield, Ards v Glentoran, Larne v Ballymena United, Carrick v Dundela (7.45pm kick-offs)
