Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton’s battle cry ahead of Irish Cup Final: Forget the past and write your own history

In an exclusive interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Magilton also revealed he has “100 per cent” belief that the Reds can beat the Blues in the May 4 decider.

Cliftonville and Linfield have not played each other in an Irish Cup Final for 90 years leading to a much anticipated encounter.

Another reason why the sell-out showdown has captured the imagination is that the Solitude side have not won the competition since 1979, suffering heartbreak on numerous occasions along the way.

“I recognise what has happened in years gone by but it is about the here and now and the present day,” said Magilton.

“You have to grasp the nettle and go embrace the Final in terms of this being our opportunity to be history makers and to forge our own path at the club.

“This group of players have an opportunity to win a Cup Final and then obviously after that the praise could come their way but it is important they focus on the game.”

Linfield have beaten Cliftonville three times in the League this season with the other game ending in a draw but Magilton insists his side will have no inferiority complex going to Windsor, pointing to the fact they defeated champions Larne in the last four.

“It is about us knowing we can win the game. I believe 100 per cent that we can win the game,” said the Reds boss.

“I also understand what it will take to win the game and acknowledge the strengths of a fantastic Linfield team but in the Semi-Final we showed we were capable of beating the champions and we have to go into the game with the same focus and belief.”