Andrew Mills is expecting a reaction from Cliftonville when they travel to The BetMcLean Oval on Sunday to take on Glentoran in the Irish Premiership (Kick-off 2pm).

The Reds lost out to Carrick Rangers in the Co Antrim Shield final on Tuesday night after a penalty shootout at Seaview.

Mills insists the Glens have to be wary of Jim Magilton’s men, who will be looking to make amends following their final disappointment.

Andrew Mills said: “When you lose a game you’re looking to bounce back straight away and when it’s a big game like a final I think you have added incentive to do that.

“They will be smarting a bit that’s for sure after leading so late in the game before losing on penalties.

“The best way to put that disappointment behind you is to go out and get a result in the next game and I’ve no doubt that’s what the message will be in their camp ahead of Sunday.

“They are a good team with plenty of quality and experience and I’m sure they can’t wait to get back out onto the pitch again.

“We just have to make sure we go about our business in the right way and produce another performance.

“We’ve started another winning run after our own recent disappointment against Larne. We knew how important it was to get to winning ways again at Glenavon last weekend.

“Thankfully we were able to go and get the three points and follow that up with another win over Strabane Athletic in the Irish Cup in midweek.

“It’s important to build on that momentum as results are so important at this stage of the season with so much still to play for.”

Mills was one of several changes for the rearranged midweek cup clash against their Premier Intermediate League opponents as Declan Devine shuffled his squad.

Billy Crellin took over in goal and Mills was full of praise for the performance from the squad on the night.

Mills said: “We all know how easy it is to get caught out in cup games when you’re playing against teams from league below you.

“There’s no real pressure on them as the bigger team is just expected to win but it’s never as simple as that.

“As Strabane showed the other night they were able to come and play with a bit of freedom and they created a couple of decent opportunities in that opening 20 minutes.

“The guys who played though were professional from start to finish in how they went about their business.

“The first goal was always going to be crucial and we kept going making sure we didn’t given them any encouragement.

“We scored at crucial time too, before half-time and after the hour mark before we got a late fourth and that helped to take the sting out of our opponents.

“The boys were very good and it was great to see the squad being used as we will need everyone from now until the end of the season.

“No matter who starts we all know we have a job to do and that was certainly the case on Tuesday night.”

Mills has been one of the Glens most consistent performers this season and he was recently rewarded for his form when he penned a new 18-month deal at the BetMcLean Oval.

The Merseyside-born shot-stopper is clearly enjoying life in east Belfast and he puts a lot of that down to his manager and goalkeeping coach.

Andrew said: “Elliott Morris is obviously a legend at this football club and he drives the standards every day in training.

“I have a lot to thank him for because the detail he brings has really improved my game, it’s been invaluable for me.

“It’s the same for Declan too, it’s been a big plus the fact he is a former goalkeeper too. He has been able to help me so much with my game also, it has made a real difference to my performances.

“I think you can see that this season, I am really enjoying my football and that all helps to get the best out of you.

“I feel I have shown a lot of consistency with my performances this year and long may it continue.

“I was delighted to sign a new deal, which will take me into a third year here in east Belfast. Not only do I love the club, but I love the area and feel right at home.

“I think when that happens for a player you can see it in what he does out on the pitch.”

There is another busy week coming up for the Glens with a BetMcLean Cup semi-final against Coleraine coming up after Sunday’s clash with Cliftonville.

A trip to Dungannon Swifts wraps up the month next Saturday and Mills is relishing the big games.

Mills concluded: “The games are coming thick and fast for us at the moment with another midweek game coming up.

“But it’s a good sign when you have a lot of fixtures in different games because it means you are winning games and progressing.

“I know it’s may be clichéd but all we can do is focus on each game as it comes and make sure we continue to produce a performance.

“Bar the Larne result it’s been a good few weeks for us given the results and performances we have produced.

“That consistency will stand us in good stead over the coming weeks and months when the most important thing is the result.

“We want to have a big finish to the season and give the fans plenty to cheer about. They have been so good for us this season and we want to repay that support.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Sunday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Cliftonville, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/