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Gareth Fullerton

Joe Gormley wins 'best ever striker' debate for former teammate

Barry Johnston says former teammate Joe Gormley is the best striker he ever witnessed during his time in the game.

Former Cliftonville title winner Johnston shared the pitch with some prolific frontmen including Glenn Ferguson and Vinny Arkins.

But he believes Reds legend Gormley is the pick of the bunch when it comes to choosing the best frontman in the business.

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The 32-year-old's stats back up Johnston's argument, with Gormley bagging a staggering 245 goals in those 400 appearances, including 13 hat-tricks and 84 assists.

Speaking on Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast, former Cliftonville title winner Johnston said: "Everyone in our league knows Joe is the best.

"I have played against Spike (Glenn Ferguson) who was an amazing player. I have played against other top players - Peter Thompson, Gary Hamilton, Vinny Arkins, that's how old I am.

"But Joe, to me, and I am not just saying this because I am a Cliftonville fan, he is the best striker of a ball I have seen. He is just a goalscorer, and that's it."

Newry City boss Darren Mullen added former Glentoran and Linfield striker Andy Waterworth to his list.

"Joe has to be right up there for me, along with Andy Waterworth," Mullen said.

"And they are two really good lads. They are down to earth and humble.

"Joe is a really nice fella. There are no heirs or graces about him. He has proven time and time again how good he can be.

Barry Johnston and Joe Gormley (INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd)

"If we had someone like him the last time were in the Premiership then I am sure we wouldn't have been relegated. But you don't find players like Joe about too often."

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