However, it was the transfer of Paul O'Neill in the other direction that added the real surprise element to the deal. A Northern Ireland Under-21 international forward who had come through the ranks at the Oval, O'Neill was a firm favourite amongst the east Belfast club's supporters, but had to quickly get his head around a surprise twist in his fledgling career. "Mick [McDermott, Glentoran manager] had told me that he was never going to let me go," O'Neill explained. Probably not, no, but on deadline day I got that call and I made the choice to go to Cliftonville." "I'd also love to play in front of Cliftonville fans if they are allowed in to the final.

Source: BBC May 07, 2021 07:18 UTC