“DON'T rule us out just yet!” declares Crusaders defender Daniel Larmour ahead of tomorrow’s crucial north Belfast derby.
Third-placed Cliftonville welcome their fourth-placed neighbours to Solitude tomorrow, with both aiming to close the gap on leaders Linfield.
The Seaview club, who have played a game less than the Reds, got back to winning ways last weekend with a late win over Loughgall, ending a run of three games without victory.
But Larmour bristles when asked if the Irish Cup is Crusaders’ best hope of silverware this season, as it has proved over the last two seasons.
“No, no, don’t rule us out of the league just yet”, said the 25-year-old centre-half.
“We need to be more consistent if we want to catch Linfield and Larne but we can improve.
“We have some big games coming up – Cliftonville tomorrow, Newry, Carrick, Larne, Glenavon and then Cliftonville again on Boxing Day, at Solitude again.
“There are a lot of points on offer and we need to take as many as we can because we really want to do well in the league this year.
“We started off really well, in Europe and in the league, but then we were hit by injuries and that set us back.
“But we are in the top four in the league, where we want to be and aiming to push on.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It will be our first trip to Solitude this season and we will want to avenge their win over us at Seaview in September.
“They outplayed us that night so we feel we need to put things right tomorrow.
“We found out last time how dangerous they can be in front of goal and on the break, we know their threats and we have to deal with them.”
Jimmy Callacher was a huge signing for Stephen Baxter last summer as the former Linfield defender underpinned Crusaders’ back line before suffering a serious knee injury that will keep him out for most of the season.
Rory McKeown slotted in alongside Larmour before he too picked up an injury, just as Josh Robinson returned from the sidelines to take up the mantle.
“Josh and I are doing well at the minute, but there has been a lot of chopping and changing, which never helps.
“I think the manager has a bit more trust in me as I have taken on more responsibility in the absence of Jimmy, Rory and Josh, but I’m just happy to be playing.’’
