Marcus Kane insists Glentoran have no time to dwell on their Big Two disappointment as they prepare for another Belfast derby when they face Cliftonville in the Sports Direct Premiership on Tuesday evening (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Linfield at the Clearer Twist National Stadium on Saturday night in a game where they had carved out the better chances.

Matthew Fitzpatrick’s goal on the hour mark condemned Declan Devine’s men to only their second league defeat since 12th December and Kane says they have to bounce back quickly.

Marcus Kane said: “Nobody likes losing games, particularly against your rivals, but the positive for us is that we created the better chances and, on another night, we come away with something from the game.

“It was a tough one to take because I felt up until the goal we were the better side. We controlled large parts of the match and looked the more likely team, but we just couldn’t make the breakthrough.

“At this level, if you don’t take your chances you can get punished, and unfortunately we gave away a sloppy goal and paid the price for it.

“There were plenty of positives in our performance. We showed again that we are a quality side with quality all over the pitch, and that’s something we have to take confidence from.

“We don’t get too high when we win and we won’t get too low after a defeat either. It’s only our second loss since mid-December, which shows the level of consistency we’ve been producing.

“The important thing now is to bounce back straight away. We have another big game coming up and it’s about responding in the right way and getting back to winning ways on Tuesday night.”

Kane knows it won’t be easy against a Cliftonville side which put its own recent woes behind them with a morale-boosting derby day win.

The Reds ran in five goals against north Belfast rivals Crusaders on Saturday and the Glentoran skipper is expecting a tough test against Jim Magilton’s side.

Kane said: “Solitude is a notoriously difficult place to go. It’s always a tough environment and you know you’re going to be in for a proper battle when you go there.

“Cliftonville showed their quality at the weekend with that win over Crusaders. Scoring five goals in a derby tells you everything about the threat they carry, and they’ll be looking to build on that against us.

“You only have to look at their squad to see the strength and depth they have, so we know exactly the level of performance it’s going to take from us.

“But for us it’s about bouncing back. We were disappointed with Saturday, but there were positives in our display and now it’s about responding in the right way.

“We need to show our quality, work hard, take our opportunities and make sure we put things right.

“If we do that, we’ll give ourselves every chance of coming away with the three points.”

Tuesday night’s clash at Solitude represents one of Glentoran’s important games in hand over the teams above them in the table.

A victory would see the Glens close the gap on the top three, and Kane knows it is an opportunity they must make count.

Kane said: “We have obviously had to play a bit of catch up in terms of games played compared to the teams around us.

“It’s that old saying, you would maybe rather have the points on the board than the games in hand.

“But we can’t do anything about it. This is the situation we are in and we have to stay fully focused on the task ahead.

“The key thing is that we don’t get too far ahead of ourselves and only concentrate on the next game.

“It’s very easy to start thinking those points are already there before the matches have even been played.

“The manager and his staff have been very good at keeping us grounded and focused on what we need to do, and that has helped us.

“The games in hand only matter if we go out and get results. If we don’t, then it doesn’t matter how many you have.

“Our job is to make sure they count and that they make a difference come the end of the season.”

There was another big travelling support at the Clearer Twist National Stadium on Saturday evening, with the players appreciative of the backing they received.

With Tuesday night’s clash at Solitude sold out, Kane says the squad is determined to repay that faith.

Kane added: “The fans were outstanding again on Saturday. They came in their numbers and backed us right to the final whistle.

“We were disappointed we couldn’t give them the result they deserved, but their support never goes unnoticed.

“To have Tuesday night sold out shows the belief and commitment of our supporters. That means a lot to us as players.

“There will be setbacks between now and the end of the season, that is football, but it is how you respond that defines you.

“It is important that we all stick together, fans, players and staff, and keep driving in the same direction.

“We know there will be a big Glentoran support behind us at Solitude and it is up to us to give them a performance they can be proud of and hopefully something to celebrate.”

Tuesday night’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Cliftonville at Solitude is now sold out.