Curran vows not to let the big occasion become a distraction
CLIFTONVILLE skipper Chris Curran still has bad vibes from his last Irish Cup Final appearance — and he’s looking to put that right in tomorrow’s showcase decider against Linfield at Windsor Park.
It was Coleraine, inspired by the irrepressible Eoin Bradley, who shredded Curran’s script back in May 2018, the Bannsiders roaring to an exciting 3-1 victory.
It’s been 45 well documented years since the Reds last won the competition and, although Curran is not one for superstitions, he insists it’s important the players focus on the game itself — not the occasion.
“It’s crucial not to become distracted with suit fittings, media interviews or the social media circus that comes along with it,” said Curran, who joined the Reds from Ballinamallard United 11 years ago.
“Although we tried to do everything the right way, we still didn’t get over the line in my last Final.
“You must be professional; prepare yourself for 90 minutes or 120 minutes or whatever it may be. It’s important to make sure you are ready to go.
“I suppose the one thing that stood out for me last time is the fact it’s just another game of football; you can’t get carried away by the occasion. You just must focus on 90 minutes of football.
“I can’t wait for it. There has been a great buzz about the club, the supporters are really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can deliver on the day, that’s what it all comes down to.
“I’m sure it will be a fantastic occasion between two heavily supported sides. We are just hoping we come out on the right side of it.
“I’ve been here 11 years; I’ve won the League title, the League Cup; the Shield. This is the final piece of the jigsaw. It would be nice to complete the set; there are a few of us like that. Joe (Gormley) is probably in the same situation. Whatever happens happens.”
Curran has praised the input of boss Jim Magilton, who arrived at the club last summer to replace fans’ favourite Paddy Mclaughlin.
“Jim has come in and has been incredible,” he added. “He’s done it all his own way. In saying that, he very much tried to build on the success Paddy had before him.
“He’s been brilliant and has us playing a brand of football which is great for the supporters to watch. Jim also already brought a certain degree of success with European qualification. It would be great to finish on a high and bring the Cup home for him.”
Curran admits he has been disappointed with the team’s form in the closing League games.
“It’s been a difficult few weeks of the season,” he went on. “After our win against Larne in the Cup, we then lost to them in the League. It more or less killed off any slim hopes of challenging for the title. So it’s been disappointing from that aspect. We parked the Irish Cup after the semi-final, so it wasn’t a case of us celebrating or getting carried away with things.”
Although Cliftonville and Linfield met in a meaningless, damp squib final League game last week, Curran expecting fireworks tomorrow.
He went on: “It wasn’t really a dress rehearsal, there wasn’t a lot to the game, there were a lot of changes to the team. It was flat, I suppose both could have done without it. There wasn’t a lot riding on it. In saying that, we’ve had a good year and we wanted to finish on a high and give the supporters something to shout about.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to win Cup, I can tell you. I’ve had a fantastic time here at the club. It’s been an unbelievable 11 seasons; I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
“It’s been an incredible experience either way.”