Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton believes Brian Healy’s debut goal in their 3-0 Irish Cup win over Dundela is a sign of what’s to come from their new recruit.

Healy lit up the Championship while starring for H&W Welders, scoring 22 goals in 23 league appearances this term – form which attracted transfer interest from a host of top-flight clubs.

However, it was Cliftonville who won the race for his signature and Reds supporters got an early sight of Healy’s goalscoring prowess after he added to Conor Falls’ early strike at Solitude.

"It’s a wonderful touch and finish from Brian,” Magilton said on BBC Sportsound. “It’s great for him to score on his debut.

placeholder image — Brian Healy celebrates scoring on Cliftonville debut. (Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Inpho)

“I’ve known Brian a lifetime and watched his progress. I felt it was the right time. He has shown enough quality in the limited time we’ve had him and that was a glimpse of more to come.

"Our fans should rightly be excited about him.”

Falls put Cliftonville ahead after seven minutes, but the Championship’s bottom side stood resolute with the hosts not scoring again until Healy’s strike 63 minutes later.

Sean Robertson added further gloss to the scoreline upon his return to action while Magilton also handed starts to January signings Liam McStravick and Joe Toole.

"Credit to Cliffy (Adams) and his staff, I thought they were so well organised and coached,” he added. “They made life very difficult for us.

"Even after going a goal down early, they may have expected an avalanche, but they were excellent and had a few chances on the counter.

"We didn’t play with any real intensity and that’s two home games on the trot where we’ve lacked that...we had three debutants but it’s no excuse because when we select these guys to come to the club we know their individual qualities will fit the system.

"We just didn’t move the ball quick enough, we didn’t play with any real ambition, and we needed half-time. We had a few words of encouragement more than anything – play quicker, move the ball quicker, and we got that.

"The substitutions made a difference. When you’re bringing on Ryan (Curran), Rory (Hale) and Joe Sheridan, it gave us a lift, and to be fair, all three goals were fantastic.”

Cliftonville will host either Glenavon or Newington – the pair will meet at Mourneview Park on Tuesday after their weekend fixture was postponed – as they look to take one step closer to reaching a third consecutive Irish Cup final.

"It’s a home draw, which is all you really want,” said Magilton. “Both teams are difficult opponents so it will be interesting to see how that game goes.

"You always look forward to being at home and it’s a real chance to advance.

"I’ve told the players I want another new suit and that we’ll be picking it because I won’t be wearing the last one! It’s a wonderful competition and a magnificent day (the final).

"Our fans come out in their thousands and turn it into a glamour game – we want more of that. When you’ve tasted it, you’re ravenous for more and you want to win it.”