Jim Magilton predicts bright future for 'really good player' as teenager continues Cliftonville goal run
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton has predicted a bright future for teenage sensation Joe Sheridan after scoring in a third consecutive Premiership match during their 5-2 victory over Glenavon at Solitude.
The Northern Ireland U21 international broke into Magilton’s side earlier this season and hasn’t looked back, producing a string of impressive performances with Cliftonville now putting together a seven-game unbeaten league run.
Having struck against Portadown and Glentoran in recent weeks, 18-year-old Sheridan drew his side level on Saturday after Jack Malone and Bridel Bosakani had cancelled out Eric McWoods’ opener.
Jonny Addis put the Reds back ahead before Jack Keaney’s late brace secured maximum points for a Cliftonville side reduced to 10 men after Odhran Casey’s dismissal.
Magilton has placed full trust in Sheridan and fellow teenager Keevan Hawthorne, who played a role in their second, and has no doubt he can go on to have a successful career.
"He's going to be a really good player, there's no question about that,” he said. "He's learning in the games, which is even more important for him.
"Joe has got real potential and we're going to look after him, we're going to nurture him. We're going to bring him in and out when it's necessary, but he deserves to play and he's doing great.”
Magilton will be without captain Rory Hale, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, and Casey for next weekend’s trip to Bangor.
Having been booked in the first half, Casey was given his marching orders for dragging down Paul McGovern in the 52nd minute.
"Yeah, I have (got complaints),” added Magilton. "I think once she gives the first one, then she has no choice with the second one.
"I don't think she gives herself an option, Louise (Thompson, referee). It doesn't help that, and I suppose we would have done it too, Glenavon lads are all around her.
“Albeit that shouldn't influence the decision, but it kind of does now, and Casey has to go...he just has to go.
"It’s disappointing for him because he's been outstanding this year and he's going to miss a game.”
Cliftonville missed out on recording a fourth consecutive league victory against Glentoran last weekend when they squandered a two-goal lead at The Oval, but Magilton was delighted to see his side return to winning ways on Saturday.
"There was a lot said about maybe the second half performance against Glentoran last week, but it was generally unjustified given the week we'd had and the effort these lads have put in and the fantastic attitude and application they give every game,” he said. "Today was an important fixture for us because it's a home fixture against a team that are bottom of the table, so all expectations are on us to win the game.
"It was important that we actually went out and won the game. You have to credit Glenavon for that...they kept going.
"The first goal we concede is not a good goal from our point of view, poor defensively.
"Second one's a worldie and you just have to hold your hands up to that. We regrouped and then we have to do it again because Casey gets sent off.
"I thought the subs made a massive impact for us and kept the momentum and the impetus in the game for us. And then Jack Keaney steps up again.”