Yarlat O’Rourke hopes the Crusaders are still on their way to European football after the Ireland Cup semi-finals.
North Belfast rival Cliftonville awaits Cruise at Windsor Park and never loses their love when they meet the teams.
But Dunganon Swift’s ex-husband, O’Rourke, looks at the bigger picture and says, “We know how important it is. In the last two years we’ve lost European football.
“It’s huge for the club. In my first season, we qualified and had a great game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“I think when you play in Europe, next season promises, in terms of teamwork. It helps you to join the group.
There is also a financial aspect. If you pass a round or two, it could cost the club as much as half a million.
“Whether it’s the Ireland Cup or the NIFL playoffs, it’s important to get there.
“Obviously, we love winning the cup, with all the prestige it brings.
“The players who played in the Irish Cup final say it was the best day of the year. It would be great to get there.”
O’Rourke believes the Reds will play as favourites, having already won the League Cup a few weeks ago in tragic circumstances against Kollar.
“We all know about Cliftonville, it’s always a little fun,” he added.
“We have played well in the inter-club matches this season. We go into the game with confidence as in any game.
“Being in the derby increases chances and he is also a fan.
Cliftonville owns the cup, goes into this semi-final and also aims to win the Scudetto.
“They are having a great season. A lot of people thought the race for the title would go down full time against clubs like Linfield and Glentoran.
“But they’re still there. I don’t think they came out as the best favourites in the semi-finals.” They have decent strikers, Joe Gormel and Paul O’Neill have been among the goals lately.
“At the same time, our defensive record has been excellent this season. We have four excellent defenders, probably in the strongest league.
“It should be a good fight and he has a great match.”
Source: Belfastlive
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