Glentoran assistant boss Paul Millar accepts the Big Two giants can’t afford an Irish Cup hangover as the race for Europe hots up in the final weeks of the season.
Mick McDermott’s men were knocked out of the cup by Crusaders midweek and are seeking an instant response in the chase for an automatic spot in the UEFA Conference League.
A runners-up finish guarantees qualification while third is also a possible route into Europe if champions in waiting Linfield also go on to win the Irish Cup.
Barring that, the Glens, who lie a point below second placed Coleraine with three games left, will be relying on the playoffs at the start of next month.
Ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Cliftonville, Millar said: “We were gutted to go out of the Irish Cup, but there’s still a lot at stake and we have a lot to play for in terms of Europe.
“We’re down to two chances of getting into Europe - finishing second or through the playoffs - and we have three games left, so nine points to play for.
“We need to catch Coleraine to be guaranteed the runners-up spot, but Larne are also four points below us and breathing down our backs, so it’s going to be tough.”
Millar believes it’s a “big positive” that fit-again January signing Conor McMenamin returned against Crusaders after spending a number of weeks on the injured list.
“It was really good to see Conor back playing again,” he said. “He came in against Crusaders and looked really lively.
“He saw plenty of the ball and helped create things for us, so the fact he’s back for the run-in is a big positive for us.
“We have a 10 day break after the Cliftonville game, so hopefully we also see the likes of Robbie McDaid and Marcus Kane get back in.”
