Paddy McLaughlin believes Ronan Doherty is fast becoming one of the best midfielders in the Irish League - if not the best right now.
Doherty put the finishing touches on a superb passing goal from Cliftonville in Tuesday night's Co Antrim Shield win over Linfield.
The 23-year-old joined the Reds from Institute in the summer and has quickly established himself as a regular feature in McLaughlin's side.
Reflecting on Doherty's display at Windsor Park on Tuesday night, McLaughlin said: "That's as good an away performance as you will see at this ground, and that includes during the summer.
"And you will have seen how good some of the sides played here.
"I think Ronan showed he is definitely up there with being the best in his position.
"He was one of our key targets in the summer and we're delighted we got him here because the fans will love him as the season goes on.
"It took him a couple of weeks to find his feet, but as you saw tonight he is a top talent."
McLaughlin was left purring at Cliftonville's opening goal against Linfield, with Doherty slotting home following a patient build-up.
"I am not sure how many pases led up to the first goal," the Reds boss said.
"We showed great patience on the ball and great awareness. There were at least 20 passes in the build-up, at least 20.
"That's something we work on here. I have worked on it before at Institute and you have to be patient.
"Sometimes teams like to go direct, but we try and keep the ball better. And we have proved how well we can hold possession and that first goal was brilliant."
Cliftonville travel to McLaughlin and Doherty's former stomping ground this afternoon when they take on Institute at the Brandywell.
"It will be a tough test," he said.
"Institute had a tough start to the season but things seem to be clicking into place for them."
Betting odds
Institute 11/2
Cliftonville 4/11
Draw 7/2
Odds from BetMcLean
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