FOOTBALL: We're up for the test - Patterson
EDDIE Patterson believes Cliftonville face a "daunting challenge" in tonight's County Antrim Shield showdown with Linfield.
Patterson's preparations for the quarter-final clash at Windsor Park have been thrown into disarray because of an escalating injury crisis.
The Reds boss is without Ryan Catney and Mark Holland for the trip to south Belfast, and now has "serious doubts" over the participation of George McMullan, Stephen Garrett and Barry Holland.
Add to that last week's departure of striker Liam Boyce to Werder Bremen, and the seismic task facing Patterson starts to take shape.
"I only have about 15 or 16 senior players at the club, and many of them are currently out injured," he said.
"We have been forced to bring a number of youth players into the panel, but it is a massive step up for them.
"Linfield is a daunting challenge, but we have to get on with it and meet it head on."
Cliftonville could be forgiven for looking on with envy at Linfield's wealth of playing talent.
Blues boss David Jeffrey was able to start the new season with a first team squad of 26 players, a stark contrast to the current malaise at Solitude.
"Linfield are at the opposite end of the scale to us, they have two players for every position," Patterson added.
"They have always had that strength in depth and that's why they are able to dominate and always be contesting finals and league titles.
"At present we only have two recognised strikers at the club – Chris Scannell and Stephen Garrett – and if anything happens to them then we are really struggling.
"So it is going to be a massive test for my players on Tuesday night. We are down to the bare bones but we will struggle on as we always do."
Tonight's clash is the first of two massive showdowns between the two Belfast giants in the space of four days, with both clubs due to meet in the Carling Premiership this Saturday.
Patterson admits he would "love" the option of resting players for the Shield encounter, but may have to risk a number of key personnel.
"I have to look at a number of factors ahead of Tuesday's game. At the end of the day it is an important fixture for the club and supporters, so we can't short change them," he added.
"Plus, the further you go in any competition there are financial benefits, and we need to be generating as much money as possible for Cliftonville.
"But I also have to take care of my players, and I have to assess the extent of injuries prior to Tuesday night's game.
"It is never ideal having these back-to-back fixtures, it messes with team selection and things like that.
"It may be the case that I will have no option but to bring more youth team players through.
"Seamus Lynch has done a fantastic job getting the younger lads ready for the step up, but at the end of the day this is a big challenge for them."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
