Paddy McLaughlin was full of praise for young defender Jamie Robinson after last week's impressive 4-2 win at Coleraine.
The former Maiden City centre back joined the Reds in the summer but has found his opportunities limited to date.
McLaughlin though threw him in against the Bannsiders and he impressed at the heart of the defence alongside Jonny Addis much to the manager's delight.
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"Jamie was superb in there against Coleraine," said the Reds boss.
"We brought him to the club in the summer and he was excellent in pre-season.
"A couple of transfers happened which we didn't expect, the likes of Luke Turner returning, and it probably just slowed up Jamie's chances of coming into the first team.
"But there was never a doubt in his ability, it was just a matter of time.
"Last Saturday was his opportunity and I thought he was immense throughout.
"I wouldn't want to be singling anyone out, but if I was big Robinson was superb for me.
"He won everything in the air, he was aggressive and his quality on the ball was there for all to see.
"It was a good balance with him and Jonny which helped us get a good result.
"It was a good all-round performance and we're delighted."
The result helped keep the Reds on the coattails of the top three ahead of Carrick Rangers' visit to Solitude this afternoon.
This will be the third meeting of the season between the two sides with Cliftonville winning both games to date - 3-2 in the League and 6-0 in the League Cup.
McLaughlin has been impressed with Carrick's performances under boss Stuart King and praised his recruitment.
"It will be another tough one for us, it's always the same against Carrick," he said.
"They're hard-working and well-organised.
"Stuartie has done a brilliant job there and he deserves a lot of credit.
"Carrick will definitely give us more than enough of a game though.
"Stuartie's signings have been excellent this year. He's brought a lot of big-name players into their group, and they are more than capable of going to any ground and getting a result.
"We'll prepare like we always do and what we are going to face.
"It will be another tough battle and it's one we know we have to play well in to win.
"We'll look forward to it, especially with it being at home as our form there has been very good and the fans have been brilliant coming out in their numbers to back us.
"This will be our eleventh game and will complete the first run of fixtures, so it would be nice to finish with another three points."
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