PAUL Kirk has said that he is 'very, very proud' of his players' achievements this season, however the Whites' boss is still hoping they can go one better and claim a coveted Setanta Cup and European spot.
The Whites have flirted with both competitions in the past couple of seasons, however they have often just missed out on securing a place having fallen at the final hurdle.
This season, however, they have it all in their own hands as they lie in
fourth place, two points ahead of nearest rivals Portadown.
Paul Kirk.
A series of draws in their recent matches has pulled the two sides closer together, but with just four matches remaining, Kirk is determined to get his side back to winning ways on their visit to Limavady in the league tomorrow (Saturday).
Paul Kirk stated, "I'm very, very proud of what the players have done at this moment and time, they have done us proud and done themselves proud, but I want more from them, I want to see that extra star quaility from them. Do they have that extra star quality and the mental strength to get there?
"There is a lot to play for and we have to be confident, we have to keep those two points between us and Portadown.
"It is a great end to the season. We're playing better and we've got the players capable of taking us there, now I'm looking for them to deliver. We have everything to play for, it's fabulous to be up there."
He continued, "A place in the Setanta Cup and Europe is in our own hands. I would expect the next four games to be difficult but if we win those games and stay ahead, that has got to be our aim.
"I saw Limavady play against Glentoran and they were well organised, it is going to be difficult. Everybody is fighting for different reasons, they've all got their own agenda. Ours has to be to stay ahead of Portadown and we really need to pick a win up to do that. We need three pointers now every week."
The Whites have a few injury troubles as the season comes to an end with Stephen Shaw definitely out for the remainder of the season as he needs a hernia operation.
Gary Browne also needs a hernia op, whilst Neil Gawley has a torn muscle in his abdomen and Andy Kilmartin has a thigh strain, however Paul Kirk expects them to be fit for tomorrow's match.
Kirk stated, "This is the time they need to play through the pain barrier. We need a massive amount of character now and they need to overcome injuries and go out and give it their all."
stacey.heaney@jpress.co.uk
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