Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

Words Conor McLaughlin

Luke Kenny Defender

Reece Jordan Defender

Stephen McGuinness Defender

Paddy Burns Defender

The most recent addition to Cliftonville’s squad, former Academy star Paddy returned to the club in February. After leaving Solitude to join Glenavon in 2017, the 23-year-old left back enjoyed a rewarding spell with Notre Dame University in the United States over the last three years. He hit his first Reds goal in last month’s draw with Coleraine.

On loan from St Mirren, the central defender (20) came through the Buddies’ Academy and enjoyed senior game time at the Scottish Premiership side at the start of this season. Luke, who hails from Glasgow, has not benefited from a consistent run in the team throughout the season but has impressed in recent weeks, featuring regularly since the Reds booked their Irish Cup final spot.

Signed from Portadown on Deadline Day last August, Reece has been one of the Irish League’s hottest properties since bursting on to the scene in 2021 season. A talented young defender with a bright future ahead of him, Jordan (20) enjoyed a brief run in the side early in the season and, having patiently bided his time in the months since, delivered an eye-catching display against Glentoran a fortnight ago before delivering another solid 90 minutes against Linfield last week.

A defender who can operate both centrally and on the left, Stephen penned a contract extension with the Reds last summer. After spending the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Queen’s University, the 20-year-old also undertook a loan stint with Annagh United in the second half of last season and was in the Reds’ starting line-up for recent away clashes with Larne and Linfield.

Rory Hale Midfielder

Chris Curran Midfielder

Stephen Mallon Midfielder

Eric Yoro Midfielder

Signed on loan from Bolton Wanderers during the January window, Eric’s first taste of senior football came after emerging through to the first team at League of Ireland side UCD. A defender who can also operate in midfield, the Dubliner (20) joined Bolton in the summer of 2022 and has been a regular performer in their B team.

A member of the Cliftonville Academy before joining Aston Villa in 2015, Rory returned to Solitude in January 2021. The 27-year old former Galway United, Derry City and Crusaders man marked his 100th appearance for the club with a strike against Newry City back in August and penned a three-year contract extension until 2027 earlier this season.

A star of the Ballinamallard United side that impressed during their debut Premiership season, the ex-Manchester United youngster’s signature was secured in the summer of 2013. An able performer in a variety of positions, skipper Chris (33) opened his goal account for the season in December’s 4-1 victory over Loughgall and will today strive to be the first Cliftonville captain to lift the Irish Cup since Walter Mills some 45 years ago.

After more than a year out with injury, Stephen made his comeback in October’s draw with Loughgall. The 25-year old ex-Sheffield United, Central Coast Mariners, Derry City and Bohemians ace, who represented both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from Under-15s though to Under-21 level, returned from a minor knock in February and was most recently among the goals in last month’s win over Glentoran.

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