Cliftonville boss John McGrady believes his side has what it takes to challenge for the ‘most competitive ever’ Danske Bank Women’s Premiership title.

The Reds finished second last season, pipped by Glentoran, having been propelled into a title challenge by the Northern Ireland international trio of signings Kirsty McGuinness, Caitlin McGuinness and Louise McDaniel.

They complemented international captain Marissa Callaghan and an incredibly talented young group of players, including emerging Northern Ireland defender Toni Leigh Finnegan.

“The split at the end of the season mean that, just like the men’s game, the race to win the title will probably go to the wire,” McGrady explained.

“Glentoran’s squad speaks for itself – it is just unbelievable, packed full of international stars and who did so well in Europe last year, plus that experience of winning leagues.

“We have strengthened and we know we can be there or thereabouts this season, but challenging for that title is so tough.

“Crusaders will be even better than last year as they have so many talented young players who are improving and Linfield have signed top, established players to go with their youngsters.

“It is going to be a really competitive league this season – the most competitive it has been, with more games and more variety – which we cannot wait to get started.”

Northern Ireland international defender Kelsie Burrows joined from Linfield late last season with her club and international colleague Abbie Magee following this summer, after the return from a long-term injury.

Also arriving over the close season were Glentoran ace Danielle Maxwell and Shauna Murphy, a goalkeeper who has represented Fermanagh at county level.

McGrady continued: “Abbie and Danielle are both already established at this level of football and have been involved in the senior international setup.

“But the key thing is they are both so young and there is that opportunity to develop them onto the next stage.

“You could see how well Abbie did in those international games against Austria and England, showing the calibre of player we are bringing in.

“Danielle is such an exciting signing and is going to be a great addition to the right side of our attack.

“Shauna is another player we are excited to see develop as she comes in from a different sport.”

The Reds season preparation has been disrupted by their host of international players unavailable for selection – and not just at senior level, with multiple stars playing for the Under-19 side.

“We have not had a chance to train with the girls properly, so there have been eight players who have not been involved in training,” explained the Reds boss.

“Not only are the girls who have been involved in the senior squad, but six of our players have been involved in the Northern Ireland Under-19 team too.

“It is really tough from a coaching point of view as you want to play a certain way but without them together in the training pitch, that is something that is a big drawback.

“Obviously there are exceptional circumstances and it is for the betterment of the girls overall, but all the girls are very understanding of the situation that we are in.

“Fi Morgan has developed so much in the past year or two in imposing herself as a senior player and she is a standout player for us and at that level.

“Grace McKimm has really impressed in those international matches too and then you have Erin Montgomery and all the others who were involved.

“We are really happy with the quality and quantity in our squad and we are so excited to see what we can do during the season.”

The Reds start their Danske Bank Women’s Premiership with a trip to Sion Swifts on Wednesday night.