Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton believes the Premiership title race will “go to the wire” – but can’t predict the Gibson Cup’s final destination as his side look to put a dent in Linfield’s bid on Sunday.

While the Reds aren’t in a battle for league honours themselves, they could yet have a say on who the eventual champions will be as Magilton’s men host the Blues this weekend before also taking on Coleraine (March 14) and Glentoran (March 18).

Cliftonville are still in the race to seal a top-half Premiership finish so may meet all of the contenders once again in the split.

Linfield won the title by 22 points last season but this term’s finale promises to be a thriller with leaders Larne currently sitting three points ahead of Coleraine with the Blues a further two adrift.

placeholder image — Linfield are the reigning Premiership champions. (Photo by INPHO/Brian Little)

Glentoran, who defeated Cliftonville 4-0 on Tuesday, are eight points behind Larne but have two matches in hand as they look to end their 17-year wait for Gibson Cup glory.

After putting together an 18-game unbeaten run, Larne appeared to be striding towards a third Premiership crown across the past four seasons, but Gary Haveron’s side are now winless in four – a stretch which includes defeats to Portadown and Carrick Rangers.

"I think it is going to go to the wire because (Carrick’s win over Larne) proved that any team's capable,” said Magilton. “Carrick are a very good team, very experienced team.

"They have been down this road, a lot of great experience in their group, great quality in their group, Irish League know-how and demonstrated that against Larne with real quality.

"Whoever wins it is going to earn it. Coleraine have invested heavily, Glentoran have invested heavily...it’ll be interesting.

"I know it'll go to the wire, I just have this feeling it'll go to the wire – don't ask me who (will win it) because I don't know.

"You’d have thought Arsenal (were going to win the Premier League comfortably) and that's probably going to go to the wire too.

"Winning titles is not easy, you have to earn it, you have to win them. This one is going to be interesting right to the death, I think.”

Cliftonville were handed an injury boost in last weekend’s 5-2 victory over North Belfast rivals Crusaders as Luke Conlan marked his first outing since August by scoring at Solitude.

Jonny Addis missed the Reds’ derby showdown but returned on Tuesday night, helping to give Magilton’s side a familiar look in defence after losing both Odhran Casey and Jack Keaney during the recent transfer window.

Former Northern Ireland U21 international Conlan had spent the entirety of his senior career across the water – he enjoyed spells at Burnley, St Mirren (loan), Morecambe and AFC Fylde – before joining Cliftonville ahead of last season.

He made 26 Premiership appearances last term and also started in both the League Cup and Irish Cup finals.

Magilton is delighted to have Conlan back available and believes he could play a big role as the Reds look to finish inside the top-six.

"Luke's had a horrendous season in terms of injury,” he added. “We've just got to make sure he stays fit and stays healthy and if he does, given his experience and his know-how, he's a massive asset to us.”