Jim Magilton believes Cliftonville star man is getting back to his best again

Jim Magilton feels Rory Hale is getting back to his best once more as he continues his comeback from injury.

The influential midfielder missed the opening months of the season with Cliftonville after suffering an ankle ligament injury in the Charity Shield clash with Larne back in July.

Hale has been eased back into the action for the past month as he builds up his fitness playing a key role in their last three wins, and Magilton believes he is getting close to his top levels again.

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"Rory is getting fit playing games which is always difficult," said the Cliftonville boss. "It's easier when you're free-flowing and winning games, if you're not you're still fighting to get there.

"His character, resilience and his determination is evident but you have to keep going and going. He looks fitter even though he was exhausted at the end on Friday night.

"It's the same for a lot of them but we don't cry about injuries as it gives opportunities to others. It's up to them to step up to the mark. I'm never going to cry about who's injured and who's not. It's down to the squad to come in and do well, and if they do that they stay in the team."

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