Irish Premiership: Boss Baxter hails 'best finisher' O'Flynn

Stephen O'Flynn played for Cork City, Limerick, Derry City, Galway United and St Pat's in the League of Ireland

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter has hailed striker Stephen O'Flynn as the best finisher in Northern Ireland.

Former Derry player O'Flynn, 33, came on to score a last-gasp winner against Dungannon Swifts to put the Crues eight points clear at the top of the table.

"I work with him in training and he is a magnificent finisher," said Baxter.

"His brain works more quickly than everyone else's. We have to use him when the time is right, but when you give him a chance he will score."

Saturday's 2-1 win at Stangmore Park puts the reigning champions in a commanding position in the Irish Premiership.

"The games will come thick and fast over the Christmas period and it is important to come out of that with some sort of lead," added the Crusaders manager.

"There are big home games coming up against Coleraine and Cliftonville, but all we are concentrating on is going to Carrick Rangers on Saturday.

"Can we get another three points in our next match? That is how we operate."

Carrick have had their last two league games - and last week's Shield semi-final against Linfield - postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

But the fixture will not be reversed, and staged at Seaview, because Carrick have already played their one match at the north Belfast venue.

"Let's hope we can get it on," added Baxter. "Carrick will not want to fall too far behind in their fixtures."