Jarlath O'Rourke hopes Crusaders are still on course for European football after tonight’s Irish Cup semi-final showdown.
North Belfast rivals Cliftonville await the Crues at Windsor Park and there is never any love lost when the teams meet.
But former Dungannon Swifts man O’Rourke is looking at the bigger picture, stating: “We know how important it is. We’ve missed out on European football for the past two years.
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“It’s massive for the club. In my first season, we qualified and got the glamour tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"I think when you play in Europe, it sets you up for the season ahead, in terms of team bonding. It helps to bring the group together.
“There is also the financial aspect of it as well. If you get through a round or two, it could be worth up to half-a- million to the club.
“Whether it comes through the Irish Cup, or through the NIFL play-offs, it’s vital we get there.
“Obviously, we would love to win the Cup, with all the prestige it brings with it.
“The boys who have played in Irish Cup finals say it’s the best day of the year. To get there would be super.”
O’Rourke reckons the Reds will go into the game as favourites, having already won the League Cup in dramatic circumstances against Coleraine a few weeks back.
“We know all about Cliftonville, it’s always a bit feisty,” he added.
“In the meetings between the clubs this season, we have played well. We go into the game high in confidence, as we do in every match.
“Being a derby adds to the occasion and it’s one for the fans as well.
“Cliftonville have a trophy in the bag, they have this semi- final and they are also going for the League title.
“They are having a fantastic season. A lot of people thought they would have dropped off the pace in the title race against the full-time clubs, Linfield and Glentoran.
“But they are still in there. I don’t think there is any question that they go into the semi-final as big favourites. “They have strikers on form, Joe Gormley and Paul O’Neill have got among the goals lately.
“At the same time our defensive record has been super this season. We have four quality centre-backs, probably the strongest in the League.
“It should be a good battle and it has the makings of a cracking game.”
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