Crusaders may have to forego the limelight at Seaview as title-chasing Larne visit the Shore Road, but Philip Lowry says they have been used to it this season.
The midfielder feels the Crues have not been given the credit their performances deserve this term with second place and and Irish Cup win still very much in their sights.
“We are out of the title race but we still have bags to play for with the Irish Cup final on the horizon and the European play-offs or the chance to finish second," said Lowry.
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“We have gone under the radar all year and no-one has given us any credit.
“Look at the nature of the injuries we’ve had; we lost Paul Heatley to seven games, Ben Kennedy has barely kicked a ball and it’s been a phenomenal season to hang in there.
“Everyone thought we weren’t going to score any goals but we are probably the second or third highest scorers in the league.
“They have come from all over the team and it’s a really good changing room to be a part of.
“We will put it up to Larne and aim to protect our record at Seaview.
“If we could finish second, I wouldn’t say it’s a free hit at the Irish Cup final but we would have secured Europe.
“That’s down the line and we will deal with the Irish Cup when it comes.
“I thought we deserved at least a point last Friday against Linfield and we probably had chances to nick it.
“These games against the top six are always extremely difficult but nobody will want to play us as the last game we lost was against Glentoran in January. That game against the Glens was a farce with the handball.
“We will look to keep this run going until the end of the season. That’s just the mentality of the changing room."
Lowry has been one of the main driving forces for the Crues this season.
He bagged his 20th goal of the season in the 3-1 win over Coleraine on Tuesday night, his 60th overall for the club.
“I’m just enjoying my football and going into every game not fearing anyone and just loving every second of it," he said.
“It’s been a brilliant season personally, I’m enjoying every minute of every game and the accolades seem to keep coming, I’m delighted to get sixty goals for the Crues.
“I’ve managed to put the ball in the net nine times out of ten this season.
“When you get a run going, it’s sometimes hard to get off it and the chances have just presented themselves and I’ve got to credit my team-mates for that."
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