Mick McDermott insists he isn't being seduced by Paddy McLaughlin's modest title talk this season.
Cliftonville boss McLaughlin last week admitted it would be a "footballing miracle" if his Reds eclipsed Linfield and Glentoran to the Gibson Cup.
The Solitude men remain firmly in the title mix, sitting in third place and just four points behind McDermott's Premiership leaders.
Both sides are back in top-flight action on Friday night, with Glentoran travelling to Larne and Cliftonville facing Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.
"I think Cliftonville are an excellent team," McDermott said.
"I have known Paddy since I came home doing the coaching courses, and I have got to know him a little bit better through coaching in the league.
"They play good football, and I think they have benefitted from their new pitch.
"I like how they play. How they move it and switch their players, and have freedom to rotate and they are really comfortable on the ball.
"They can hurt you in multiple ways. They can beat you playing football, getting beyond you, they can deliver crosses and score. So they're a really talented team.
"And on their day they are the most dangerous team in the league, if you ask my opinion. And they can hurt teams."
And McDermott is in no doubt this season's title scrap is a three-horse race.
"I listen to Paddy about 'riding the coat tails'. But he is quietly confident. He is no mug. His team can go out and beat anyone in this league," the Glens boss smiled.
"Look at their game at the National Stadium a few weeks back. They were the dominant team and could have won it.
"So they are a good team."
The Glens returned to the Premiership summit with last week's Big Two win over Linfield.
McDermott said the result was quickly forgotten about as his players look to continue their surge towards a first Gibson Cup since 2009.
Their next assignment is a tough trip to Larne on Friday night, the last team to beat Glentoran courtesy of a 3-2 success at the Oval on New Year's Day.
"Larne are a good team. A really good team," McDermott said.
"We lost there in the County Antrim Shield this season and got a draw in the league there. Yes, we lost to them on New Year's Day, but we were a bit jaded at that point.
"We had seven players out, either through Covid or injuries, and we had to field the same team again and we weren't fresh.
"It was a good game, and we are hoping for another one on Friday night with a packed Inver.
"And if you don't show up against Larne you won't win. No doubt about that."
