Boss Niall Currie will keep faith with Portadown’s giant killing blueprint for Cliftonville Cup clash

Niall Currie's side have claimed a few Premiership scalps this season

It’s a daunting challenge against a formidable Premiership side but Portadown have already put a few heavyweights on the canvas this season and Niall Currie believes his men can place Cliftonville on the ropes at Shamrock Park on Friday night.

The Reds are firm favourites to progress to the Irish Cup semi-finals but they will not underestimate the knockout power of their hosts.

Portadown have lifted the Mid Ulster Cup and they will wrestle with Linfield in next Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup Final against Linfield.

Currie’s men beat Carrick Rangers on penalties before seeing off Bangor to reach the last eight.

Crusaders, Loughgall and Glenavon have also been put to the sword en route to the BetMcLean Cup decider.

Former Ards and Dundela boss Currie knows his side are facing strong opponents but his players have mastered the art of ripping up scripts and writing a few fairytales of their own.

“We have been very compact and solid in all the games,” said Currie.

“Loughgall, Crusaders and Glenavon had more possession against us but we had more clear-cut chances.

“It’s about staying in the game, being disciplined for the first 20 minutes and let the game evolve. We can be good on the counter-attack and hurt teams.

“It’s about keeping your shape and defending well but we can be expansive too.

“We had as many chances as Glenavon and they didn’t really penetrate us.

“With Cliftonville, you are talking about a top three Irish League club and you need to be at your best and hope you catch them on a wee off night.

“You need a bit of luck, and we have to make sure we hit our levels so we can take advantage of that.”

Portadown are chasing top-flight promotion while the