Jim Magilton clear Irish League star's Cliftonville legacy secure - and not just for being 'wonderful footballer'

Addis’ thunderbolt in the dying seconds of Saturday’s Irish Cup tie with Glenavon sealed progression for a Cliftonville side aiming to reach their third consecutive competition final.

While Magilton’s cup-winning squad has been ripped apart with several stars sealing high-profile transfers – only three starters from a 3-1 extra-time win over Linfield are still at the club – Addis remains one of his constants.

The former Glentoran defender lost his regular partners Odhran Casey and Jack Keaney during last month’s window, but Magilton is relying upon Addis’ experience to help bring through the next generation of Reds talent.

"You look at someone like Jonny Addis, his legacy at this club, that won’t be just because he's a wonderful footballer but you think of the partners he's had, how well we've played and how he's been able to manage that,” he said. "That is not easy.

"That will always be a legacy for me with Jonny, the amount of players he's been able to develop alongside him, giving them the composure to go and play.

"We had a 16-year-old (Shea McGarry) make his debut at Ballymena earlier this season, he was absolutely outstanding.

"They're so important for us, we're going to need them now until the end of the season and probably now, the way we finish the game (against Glenavon) is the way we have to go right from the very first whistle.

"It's a magnificent strike (from Addis) and obviously he has that (capability). When he was coming up, I was screaming at him to hit it...normally he ignores me!”

Addis is one of Magilton’s elder statesmen in Cliftonville’s changing room, alongside the likes of record goalscorer Joe Gormley, and believes their importance can’t be overstated.

With four of Saturday’s starting line-up aged 21 or under and three teenagers introduced off the bench, the Reds’ young stars are leaning on the experience of senior team-mates.

After sealing Irish Cup progress, Cliftonville will turn their attention to Premiership action once again on Tuesday night when they host Bangor.

Magilton’s men are looking to force their way back into the top-half and a number of key players are set for returns in the near future.

"They've (experienced players) been amazing since I've been at the club,” added Magilton. "Those three (Gormley, Rory Hale and Addis) and there are others, Ryan Curran, Conor Pepper has been amazing.

"The senior players at this club deserve special mention, they certainly do, because without them we would not have enjoyed anywhere near the success that we have enjoyed.

"People have to remember, we've lost two cup finals...I'd rather be in them to lose them.

"The guts that these players have shown is huge. Now we've got to build, we've got players that are coming back. Luke Conlan isn't far away, which is great, Adam Carroll has been chomping at the bit.

"There are lads who are ready to come in because we're going to need them. It is a squad game.”