FOOTBALL: We’re in it to win it

And Oran Kearney has a clear message - ‘we’re not here to make up the numbers!’

The Bannsiders are currently second in the table on goal difference behind leader Cliftonville following Saturday’s comfortable 2-0 win over Dungannon Swifts.

Kearney is determined to keep them at the summit for as long as possible.

“We’ve been in the title race since the very first game of the season and until it’s mathematically impossible for us to win it I won’t give up on that belief,” Kearney told Times Sport.

“I’ve told the players many times that if they don’t have aspirations to win the title then they shouldn’t be sitting in that changing room.

“I’m not here to make up numbers and just be happy with fourth, fifth or sixth place in the table we’re here to win things and that includes the league.

“Realistically it’s going to be tough because we know the quality and squad depth the likes of Linfield have.

“But I’m a dreamer and I love to dream and I’ve been fortunate to win leagues and cups in my career and with the attitude and spirit we have at this club I would love to repay it with bringing success here.

“People might laugh our chances off, but I’m happy to throw our hat in the ring. Any team can win it at the minute and they should all want to win it.

“Nobody expects us to be in the mix, people are probably thinking it will only be a matter of time before we drop out of it.

“But there’s no pressure on us and we are playing with freedom. You can see that with the spirit in the dressing room.

“As a coach you can tell players this, that and the other, but the one thing which breeds confidence is winning games.”

Kearney knows that it will be tough to break Linfield’s stranglehold on the Gibson Cup especially if he loses key members of his squad.