Jim Magilton admits Cliftonville 'going to be down bodies' after gruelling Irish Cup encounter

The Reds were denied their spot in a third consecutive showpiece decider after a repeat result of last season’s final heartbreak in Friday’s last-four meeting at Windsor Park.

Magilton’s men have limited time to recover with the Glens arriving at Solitude looking to keep their Premiership title bid on track – they trail leaders Larne by six points.

Northern Ireland U21 international Harry Wilson played 120 minutes and stepped up to take a penalty in what was only his second appearance after a month out through injury, while key defender Jonny Addis was replaced ahead of extra-time.

Cliftonville could be left counting the cost of a physically draining encounter, but Magilton will hope they can respond in a similar fashion to last term’s Irish Cup disappointment.

After losing on penalties to Dungannon, the North Belfast club defeated Glentoran and Coleraine in the European play-offs to book their spot in Conference League qualifying.

"That's the aim (for a similar response), but it's very, very difficult,” said Magilton. “We're down bodies.

"Harry has come back from a five, six-week lay-off, we had to take Jonny off.

"We're going to be down bodies on Tuesday night, there's no question about that because it's a quick turnaround.

"It's a big game, and it's a tough game, but we are going to be down bodies, there's absolutely no doubt about that.”

Providing a further update on Addis’ situation, Magilton added: “I think it's just hamstring again.

"He tried his very, very best, as he always does. He's always very commendable playing for us, but we had to get him off the pitch.”

While Cliftonville have reached three consecutive Irish Cup semi-finals – or better – alongside winning the BetMcLean Cup last season, Magilton has had to battle with a constant issue of losing star talent.

Only three starters from their 2024 final triumph over Linfield – Addis, Rory Hale and Conor Pepper – remain at the club and Magilton is trying to bring through a host of young, talented players.

The likes of Joe Toole, Liam McStravick and Brian Healy have all arrived at Solitude throughout this season while teenage duo Joe Sheridan and Keevan Hawthorne have impressed in their breakthrough senior campaigns.

Magilton hopes the experience of Friday will stand his young stars in good stead for the future and believes disappointment is part of the learning curve as they look to forge successful careers.

"It's a steep learning curve,” he added. “These are tough nights.

"There's silence in the changing room, that's what a losing changing room is like, they have to take that on board.

"They have to be ready to come on, that's the only other thing I would say, they have to be ready to come on and make a difference.

"It's part of the learning curve, it's part of playing for this club, and we have to go again.”