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Gareth Fullerton

Cliftonville goalkeeper Richard Brush hailed as 'best in league' after recovering from stroke

Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin has praised the character of Richard Brush after battling back from a stroke.

The goalkeeper was driving to Sligo following a 3-1 win over Newry City last November when he lost all power down the left hand side of his body.

Fortunately he managed to flash down a passing motorist who came to his assistance.

Brush later revealed that clots were found on his brain, but he is now on medication to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Reds boss McLaughlin believes it would have been a career-ending incident for many players.

The fact that Brush was back playing football within six weeks speaks volumes about the Birmingham-born keeper's resilience.

The 34-year-old has been one of Cliftonville's star players this season, and on Tuesday night he saved two penalties in a 4-3 shootout win over Linfield in the Co Antrim Shield.

"He was brilliant. I said it after the game against Larne, and I said it to the boys tonight, I believe Richard Brush is the best goalkeeper in the Irish League right now," McLaughlin said.

"We are blessed to have him, especially after everything he has come through over the past couple of years. It says a lot about him as a person.

"For any other person it would have been a career-ending time. But not Richard.

"He has that desire to play football, and a desire to play for Cliftonville. When you have that within your squad you have a chance of doing well, and we have that in abundance.

"Our away fans were brilliant on Tuesday night, and they deserved this win. And Brushy, again, was brilliant for us."

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