Paddy McLaughlin has told his players to embrace the fact neutrals and pundits are predicting a serious title charge from Cliftonville this season.
Twelve months ago no one was talking up a challenge from the Reds who subsequently went on to run Linfield close at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.
But after a runners-up finish in April and a busy summer of strengthening in the transfer market, McLaughlin accepts there’ll be a brighter spotlight on Solitude in the weeks ahead.
Read more: Glentoran boss Mick McDermott shoots down 'inevitable' Caolan Marron transfer
“A lot of people probably didn’t see us coming last season and rightly so given the number of full-time clubs in the Irish League," he said.
“The focus was always going to be on the full-time clubs to go and do well, so the fact we went under the radar did us no harm last time out.
“We probably will attract a bit of attention this year because we did so well last season, but that’s not a bad thing. I actually take it as a compliment.
“It will be difficult and I’m sure the likes of Larne, Glentoran and Crusaders will be stronger. Linfield will always be Linfield and Coleraine will also be better.
“It will be tough, but I’m sure it’ll be another exciting season. For us, it’s important that we try to maintain the high standards we set last season.”
McLaughlin accepts it was a given that Linfield, who have lifted the Gibson Cup in the past four campaigns, will be strong favourites to make it five-in-a-row.
“There’s no argument with that,” he said. “They have been champions the last number of years for a reason because they have been the top side in the division.
“David Healy is an unbelievable manager and he has done a fantastic job. It’s up to us or others to try and get the better of Linfield, but it’s a hard task because they’re so good. That’s the challenge we all face.”
Cliftonville face a tough opener against Coleraine who are out to prove a point after losing to the Reds in the League Cup final in March and enduring a sixth-place finish last season.
Oran Kearney has also enjoyed a productive summer of transfer business, securing the likes of Lee Lynch, Dean Jarvis, Michael McCrudden, Conor McDermott and Jack O’Mahony.
“Coleraine have signed well and I’m sure the (synthetic) pitch up there will suit the players they have brought in," said McLaughlin.
“Oran has done a brilliant job there over a number of years and I’m sure that will continue on for a long while yet, so we don’t expect anything other than a ding-dong game.
“It should be a good game between two good footballing sides full of technical talent.”
SATURDAY'S FIXTURES
Ballymena United v Glenavon
Carrick Rangers v Newry City
Coleraine v Cliftonville
Crusaders v Dungannon Swifts
SUNDAY
Linfield v Portadown
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