Dungannon Swifts 'probably going to be stretched' for European play-off trip to Cliftonville

The Swifts quickly put Irish Cup final heartbreak behind them by beating Carrick Rangers 3-1 on Wednesday evening – the first of three potential matches as they look to seal a return to Conference League qualifying this summer.

Dungannon were without captain Gael Bigirimana for their midweek triumph while defender Danny Wallace was forced off after only 10 minutes.

After winning the Irish Cup last term, the Co Tyrone club booked a spot in Europe for the first time since 2007, picking up a famous away win at Vaduz in Liechtenstein before losing the reverse fixture in extra-time.

Having reached consecutive Irish Cup deciders and recorded back-to-back top-half Premiership finishes, McAree’s men now have sights set on a continental repeat – but the Dungannon chief is well aware of the task awaiting his side at Solitude.

"It’s another big task, physically it’s going to be a big task,” McAree told the club’s media channel. “We’re probably going to be stretched, we will have to see how we are and how everybody is feeling.

"We’ll look forward to it. We have no other choice than turning up and playing the game so we may as well try and win it while we’re there, but we know it’s going to be extremely difficult.

"Cliftonville are an extremely good team, especially at home.”

If Dungannon seal victory over the Reds, they’ll enter a European decider against Linfield at Windsor Park on Tuesday evening.

McAree had no doubts his team could recover quickly from their cup final agony and insists they’ve no other option.

“You just have to do it, there's no other way,” he added. “You can respond in one of two ways – you either pick yourself up or you don't.

"I have complete faith in the changing room. Dungannon Swifts changing rooms over the years have been extremely tight.

"We have a tight set of players within the dressing room, and I'll back them to go and respond.

"We spoke about it before the (Irish Cup final), we're like family, we want to fight for each other, and we have to do that. We've no alternative.

"We can either turn up or throw the towel in, but we have an opportunity to get European football.”

Prior to Wednesday’s visit of Carrick, McAree called on the club’s supporters to get behind his team as they look to embark on another adventure in Europe.

McAree believes Dungannon’s style of play provides a source of entertainment and is keen to keep growing their fanbase.

"They are exceptional,” he said. “You put out a request asking for people to come out...I feel we offer an attractive style of football and if people come regularly they’ll enjoy it even more.

"They’ll suffer disappointment with us at times certainly, but when we play well and pass the ball like we did at times (against Carrick), we’re a good team to watch.”