Dean Shiels has welcomed a break from the rigours of the Irish League as his Dungannon Swifts side prepare to face Knockbreda in the Irish Cup.
The Swifts have been battling all season to pull away from the foot of the table and Shiels admitted it is intense fighting for every single point.
“The Irish Cup is a welcome break from the league," he said.
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“It’s a chance to get to the Irish Cup quarter-final so we know that carrot is there as motivation.
“The pressure of the league is intense every week because you’re fighting and scraping for every point. The cup gives you that relief."
They face a Knockbreda side battling for their own survival in the Championship.
Shiels though will be taking nothing for granted when he takes his side to Breda Park.
“We’ve got to prepare right, we’ve got to look as to how we can be more effective in the final third and it’s going to be tough," said the Swifts boss.
“We went there last year and it was a tough game and the pitch was really poor, so you have to take all those elements in and find a way to win.
“It was difficult last year and we have to be on it, otherwise we will be put out – it’s as simple as that.
“We’ve had them watched and given them our total respect.
“They are in the same round as us on merit so we will have to be at our best to get through."
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