David Jeffrey believes Ballymena United are "fortunate" to have David McDaid in their side.
The Sky Blues pulled off something of a transfer coup in the summer when they landed the talented striker.
McDaid has already made a big impression at The Showgrounds and Jeffrey was quick to praise him following his contribution in last Saturday's hard-fought win over Carrick Rangers.
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The frontman showed all his qualities to help light up proceedings in some horrendous conditions.
"We can't believe how fortunate we are to have David here," said Jeffrey ahead of Saturday's visit by Cliftonville.
"We had to work very hard because he had other choices than Ballymena, he had suitors elsewhere.
"However he made it very clear why he wanted to come here.
"He showed all his quality against Carrick, his workrate and effort along with his ability as well.
"I can't give him any more praise, I'm so pleased, he epitomised everything that was good about us against Carrick...hard work, ability and talent."
Ballymena United face one of McDaid's former club's this afternoon with the Reds now second in the table thanks to an impressive November.
"Patrick (McLaughlin) has done an absolutely phenomenal job, apart from being a great fella he is a very good manager," said Jeffrey.
"It's going to be a tough one but we look at these as opportunities and challenges, so we'll look forward to it.
"We played them earlier in the season at our place and really a draw would have been a fair result.
"It was a mistake we had made which led to us getting beat.
"On the night though we felt we had done more than enough to get something out of it.
"So we will welcome them to The Showgrounds and give it a good crack."
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