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Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter expects the next few weeks to take its toll on teams, both on and off the pitch.

Following last week’s defeat at Coleraine the Crues find themselves seven points off an automatic European spot and 15 points behind leaders Linfield, who visit Seaview tonight.

As the race for those coveted league positions intensifies and the fixtures pile up Baxter know team’s already weary squads may just have to be patched up and sent out again before bringing this campaign to a close.

“All these games are incredibly crucial,” he said.

“We’ve been in the top four for most of the season.

“The games are incredibly tight between all the teams.

“The next number of weeks will stretch the clubs completely.

“Teams are working hard to fight for the European places or trying to win a league.

“They are all out on a limb every week, and you see the aftermath of it in your dressing room.

“Coleraine are carrying a lot of form at the minute so are Glentoran, Linfield, Larne and ourselves are huffing and puffing a bit at the minute.

“Then you have Ballymena, Cliftonville and Glenavon in there winning games too, it’s interesting every week.

“It’s been good, but it’s been different. I’ve never experienced a league like this.

“Hopefully we get through the next few weeks to get this season finished and then say goodbye to it.”

Check out our Danske Bank Premiership Team of the Week

Steve Jones proud to have played for Northern Ireland

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Stephen Baxter is hoping for one last push from his squad