IRISH CUP A ROUTE TO EUROPE FOR MICK

MICK MCDERMOTT is relishing a high stakes climax to the season after Irish Cup holders Glentoran were drawn against Cliftonville in the second round of the competition.

Saturday’s draw pitted the Ovalmen against the Reds in the last-16 which will be played this Saturday.

A scoreless draw with league leaders and derby rivals Linfield left the Glens a distant seven points off the summit with only four games left in the title race.(circled) knows But Mcdermott Irish Cup glory or a second place finish in the Premiership would secure automatic European football for the East Belfast club next season.

“On top of the big league games coming up, we’ve been drawn against Cliftonville in the Irish Cup and they’re all brilliant games to look forward to,” said Mcdermott.

“We still have a massive amount to play for heading into the last few weeks of the season and there will be a lot of twists and turns to come in both the league and cup.”

Ballymena United, who lost last year’s final 2-1 to the Glens at Windsor Park, host PSNI, while Linfield were drawn at home to Dungannon Swifts.

At the weekend, 10-man Loughgall progressed to the second round with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Banbridge after a 1-1 draw at Lakeview Park.

Ballinamallard lost 8-9 in a shootout to Dergview after the tie ended 2-2, while Knockbreda, who will face 2019 Irish Cup winners Crusaders in the next round, beat Newington 2-1.

IRISH CUP DRAW: Dergview v St James Swifts; Larne v Dollingstown; Glentoran v Cliftonville; Linfield v Dungannon Swifts; Ballymena United v PSNI; Knockbreda v Crusaders; Carrick Rangers v Bangor; Loughgall v Warrenpoint Town.