Ronan Hale has the talent to make it across the water, says Marty Quinn

Ronan Hale has been in red-hot form for Cliftonville

Jim Magilton has overcome early scepticism from Cliftonville fans

Gerard Lyttle returned to Solitude as Jim Magilton's assistant

Marty Quinn says Cliftonville can push on in the League and Irish Cup

Cliftonville legend Marty Quinn believes the club’s goal machine Ronan Hale has the talent to earn a return to the professional game in England or Scotland.

And the former Reds boss is thrilled with the way manager Jim Magilton and his assistant Gerard Lyttle have won over the doubters at Solitude.

Former central defender Quinn was part of the last Cliftonville side to lift the Irish Cup and he’s hoping new heroes can emerge in 2024 to finally end all those decades of hurt.

But Magilton’s men also have their eye on an even bigger prize as they hunt down a first League championship for the club since 2014. The north Belfast side are only three points behind leaders Larne with 10 games remaining while Linfield are also lurking menacingly, just a point behind the champions.

Jim Magilton has overcome early scepticism from Cliftonville fans

Cliftonville are the League’s top scorers and one aspect of their ruthless form has been the finishing power of former Larne frontman Hale.

The 25-year-old has been in sensational form as his 17 goals in 17 matches reflects.

His extra-time hat-trick in the Irish Cup win over Coleraine underlined his confidence and sharpness in front of goal.

Cross channel scouts are regularly watching the best Irish League talent and it’s been stated that clubs including Derby County, Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool, Peterborough and Wrexham are plotting moves for hot-shot Hale.

The former Crusaders and Derry City man was at Birmingham City in his