Hill urges cautious approach to DC

Ballyclare Comrades defend this free-kick in Saturday's defeat to HW Welders at Tillysburn Park.

“The Championship is a very tightly contested league, with everybody capable of beating everybody else,” he stressed.

“On Saturday Celtic went to Clandeboye Park and collected a point against one of the title favourites, Ards, so I know they will be no easy touch especially on their own patch.”

In this weekend’s encounter league points will be at stake, while on December 6 progress in the Irish Cup will be the prize. However, Hill refused to make either one the top priority.

“League points are important, but so would be an Irish Cup win that might give us a shot at some of the Premiership big guns,” he said.

“Make no mistake about it: we will be going all out for a league win on Saturday, with no thought of keeping top players under wraps for the cup tie,” he insisted.

“Thankfully, except for long-term injury absentee, Andrew Doyle, we will be at full strength, with the welcome addition of Simon McGowan.

“The birth of a baby has meant him missing training recently, but we expect him to be back this week, and that gives me another midfield option.”