WATCH "We threw title away" Crues keeper O'Neill reflects on a season lost

Crusaders are desperate to make amends after last year’s spectacular title collapse, according to keeper Sean O’Neill.

"Linfield did come on a great run - but we threw that league title away, and I think everyone would be honest and say that,” he told us.

O’Neil who has recently returned after a long-term shoulder injury said losing out last season was the only motivation they needed.

Speaking on this week’s Cool FM Football Show, he said the players simply focused on winning.

"We use last year as a motivation,” he said.

“We were brilliant right up until six weeks out, and we fell flat on our faces.

“So we're just trying to use that as motivation this year. It's just one game at a time, but we will use that throughout the season."

Cliftonville boss Barry Gray joined O’Neill on the show and he reckons you cannot rule out the Reds from making a challenge.

“Yes, we can win the league. But Barry Gray, Oran Kearney, David Healy, Gary Hamilton - they will all say the same. Yes we're capable but it's basically on us to show why we can win it,” he said.

“I said it from the start that Cliftonville have to be challenging for every competition that they're in.

“And at this moment in time the table would suggest that if we can maintain our run of form, when why not challenge for the title?"

The show can be viewed now on Cool FM’s Facebook Page.

As usual, Pete Snodden will be firing the questions along with football writer Steven Beacom

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