Tyson up for relegation fight

Island boss Stephen Donald handed the industrious midfielder the captain’s armband for the second game succession ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 Clarence Cup defeat to Lisburn Rangers. Now that unexpected result has left them with just the league to focus on, and the former Carrick midfielder and his team-mates are gearing up for two crunch home games against Malachians and Shankill United.

The Islanders are languishing in 11th place in the top flight. It’s a position they are unfamiliar with. And when you throw into the mix the exit of top scorer Michael Moore to Lisburn Distillery, you get a sense of why some at the club are beginning to look over their shoulders. Island haven’t scored in the two games since Moore’s departure, and while it’s far from a goal crisis, it is something they will be keen to address this weekend.

Gray - a former Carrick Rangers player - insists the Wilbourne Park outfit have enough quality and firepower in their ranks to beat the drop.

“I think the next couple of weeks are crucial for us,” he said. “We are under no illusions, we are definitely in a dogfight at the bottom. Any points are vital, but, in the next two home games against Malachians and Shankill United, we need six big points.

“We lost Chris Harris to a red card on Saturday and the squad is light as it is, so it’s going to take a big effort to get the points, but we need them, big-time.

“We took three points from Malachians at their place. Hopefully, we can go out and do the business against them and that will give us a wee bit of confidence going into the Shankill match which is massive for us. Both teams are down at the bottom of the table and we are fighting to try and get as many points on the board as we can. We need to take another three points from them and push on.

“I have a lot of faith in the boys. Even after Saturday’s performance, there wasn’t one person I saw in the changing room who doesn’t care about the club, who doesn’t have the right attitude, or doesn’t have the desire to win and keep Islandmagee in the Premier Division. There is enough quality in the team to go and do the business, but we have to scrap and fight for each other and I believe we will be able to do it.”

Gray said he was delighted to be handed the captain’s armband, previously worn by Moore. After an extended spell on the sidelines through injury, if he remains fit, it’s a role he’s definitely keen on keeping.

“Really, it’s whatever the gaffer wants,” said the 25-year-old. “I had it for our Intermediate Cup game (a 2-0 defeat to Immaculata) and that was my first game back in 10 weeks.

“It’s a privilege to wear it and lead the boys out - especially when you look at some of the lads we have in the team and the levels they have played at. For me to be their captain is a great privilege. I have always talked during games and encouraged my team-mates - armband or not. If the boss sees me as the man to lead the team, I would hope that people would think that I thrive on it, but if he feels it’s hindering my game rather than helping it, then maybe he’ll give it to somebody who could do a better job. Hopefully, I can keep it.”

Asked for his thoughts on whether the club will miss the talismanic Moore, Gray added: “Of course. There’s no doubt about it.

“When Michael left the club I think he had 19 goals in the bag. No matter where you are in the league, no matter what team, you are always going to miss somebody of his quality. But we can’t dwell on it. I wish him all the best and I hope all the other lads do. I hope he goes on and succeeds where he is and gets a run of games in the Premiership.”