Jamie McDonagh has revealed how experienced defender Colin Coates has been "firing up" Cliftonville's title drive this season.
Coates has made just five Premiership appearances for the Reds since joining the club last summer following the 36-year-old's release from Glenavon.
Despite occupying the bench for most of this season, McDonagh says Coates' influence stretches way beyond the pitch.
And he believes the defender's winning mentality could be a priceless asset as the Reds target a first league title since 2014.
McDonagh told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast: "I think when you look at our team, you could pick out one or two players who stand out.
"But from the inside the changing room, it isn't just one or two players who drive things.
"Colin Coates hasn't played that much, but he has had a massive part to play this season.
"He has so much experience, and any time we have team talks he is one firing us up or giving us advice. And it has helped the younger players in the team.
"And you now see younger players like Seanna Foster stepping in and speaking up sometimes. So it isn't down to one or two, and that's a big part of being successful. It takes 20, 21, 22 players to make a team successful.
"We have all bought into that, and we see it from the inside. We appreciate everyone's opinion."
Former Cliftonville midfielder Barry Johnston - who won back-to-back titles with the Reds in 2013 and '14 - also hailed the impact of Coates since joining the club.
"I was chatting recently to Decky O'Hara, and he was saying probably the biggest influence and best signing this year has been Coatesy," Johnston said.
"Even though he hasn't played much, see what he brings to the table. Just speaking to the players and his organisational stuff from the dugout.
"He has been first class."
Johnston added: "Coatesy has been outstanding any game he has come in and played.
"It is just unfortunate for him that (Jonny) Addis and (Luke) Turner have been so good. But Coates and (Jamie) Harney, if called upon, are two quality defenders and if they get called in they are as good defensively.
"Coatesy has been there and done it, and I am sure he is happy passing on the wee bits of knowledge to the younger players.
"It is good when you see someone learning from you, and it's good giving something back. Coatesy is very humble and has never been big-headed or arrogant.
"He has always gone about his business and is a good fit for Cliftonville."
