David Healy says only the naive and “gullible” journalists are buying the line that Cliftonville aren't serious title contenders.
The Linfield boss has also told the Reds that they’re currently the only club chasing the “treble”.
Paddy McLaughlin’s men lie just a point below the Blues, who face Crusaders on Friday evening, at the summit following a midweek 1-0 win at Glentoran.
Read more: Glentoran boss Mick McDermott lays down dominance claim as he rues 'missed chance'
And despite McLaughlin playing down the Solitude club’s title credentials, Healy fully expects Cliftonville to be in the thick of the Gibson Cup shake-up.
He also quipped that the Reds, who face Coleraine in Sunday’s BetMcLean League Cup final and Crusaders in the Irish Cup semis next month, are currently in the mix for three trophies.
“I said the other day - and I didn't think I was being malicious - that Cliftonville are trying to distance themselves from trophies,” said Healy.
“There are still some gullible people and some of the more gullible journalists who might believe what Paddy's saying, but Cliftonville are currently in the running to win the treble.
“I can assure you their dressing room will be full of confidence, especially after winning at Glentoran on Tuesday. That will give them even more momentum.”
With Cliftonville sitting out league action this weekend, Linfield have a chance to extend their lead at the top when they face the Crues at Windsor Park.
The Glens, who are three points behind in third, travel to Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.
“It's going to be a tough run-in,” said Healy. “There are two or three sides in and around and there are others in the background like Crusaders.
“There are still a lot of points to play for and I'm sure there are going to be even more twists and turns before we get to the split. And then all hell will break loose after the split.”
While Linfield beat Crusaders 2-0 at Windsor on the opening day of the season, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Stephen Baxter’s men at Seaview in November.
“The games have been topsy-turvy any time we’ve played them and it’s very rare that one team has really dominated the other,” said Healy.
“Stephen (Baxter) is a fantastic manager and person and Crusaders have been there, seen that and done it.
“Any time we’ve faced them, home or away, it has been an intense battle.
“They have players at the top end of the pitch who can hurt you if you give them the chance, so we know we’ll need to be on top of our game.”
Linfield are without top scorer Christy Manzinga who is suspended after receiving a straight red card in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Ballymena United.
Friday night's game between Linfield and Crusaders, which has a 7.45pm kick-off, is being shown live on BBC2 NI.
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