Lyttle wants Euro push

The Reds recorded their first victory since March 1 in the last gasp midweek win over struggling Carrick Rangers. Lyttle is now demanding a high tempo end to the season.

Daniel Hughes' late strike earned Lyttle’s boys a crucial three points and propelled them to within two of Gary Hamilton’s Glenavon. Both teams are scheduled to clash at Solitude tomorrow, so something must give!

“It was a massive three points at Carrick,” said Lyttle. “It wasn’t about how well we played it was about getting the points. It was crucial especially Saturday’s game with Glenavon looming. It’s now a massive outing for both clubs. That third place is still our target.”

Lyttle was thrilled with the contribution of Hughes, who joined the club from Warrenpoint in the January transfer window.

“Daniel has been unlucky in terms of injury,” added Lyttle. “It’s been very frustrating. When you have a player like that, you want to see him on the pitch. He’s got over that period now and he's hit a bit of form. That’s three goals in three games – he also scored for the reserves last week."

Lyttle now wants his team to put in a storming finish over the remaining five games. “We were more like ourselves at Carrick, it was like the old Cliftonville,” he added. “There is a hunger and desire to try and finish the season on a high."