Emily Wilson says Glentoran must make their games in hand count as the reigning champions prepare to face Lisburn Rangers at Crewe Park this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens currently sit eight points behind Sports Direct Women’s Premiership leaders Cliftonville but can reduce that deficit on Tuesday in the first of two games in hand over the Reds.

Wilson, who has made a welcome return from injury at a crucial stage of the campaign, understands the importance of securing all three points as Glentoran look to maintain the pressure at the top of the table.

“For us, the next game is always the most important, but this match against Lisburn Rangers carries extra significance because it gives us an opportunity to close the gap on Cliftonville,” said Wilson.

“People always talk about games in hand, but they only count if you pick up the points. We would rather have those six points on the board than have the two games still to play, but it is what it is.

“All we can do is make sure we do everything possible to get the points, close the gap at the top and put some pressure on the leaders.

“We know it will be tough against Lisburn Rangers. They beat us in the Co Antrim Trophy earlier this season and are the only team to have beaten Cliftonville in the league so far, so we are well aware of the threat they pose.

“But we are in a good place after scoring 12 goals in our last two games, and we feel we are getting back to the form we know we are capable of producing.

“It is a big couple of weeks for us. We face Linfield in the cup and then Cliftonville in the league after Tuesday night, so we know this could be a pivotal stage of our season. We are determined to make it count.”

Wilson is delighted to be contributing again following a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The striker had been out of action since sustaining an injury while on international duty with Northern Ireland last October.

She returned from the bench against Cliftonville earlier this month before starting the victories over Crusaders and Larne, scoring her first goal in 11 months at Inver Park.

“It was a great feeling to be back and scoring again,” she said. “It had been 11 months since my last goal and, ironically, that was a hat-trick against Lisburn Rangers last September.

“It was nice to put that behind me in only my second start since returning.

“It is never easy to be out injured, especially for such a long time, because all you want to do is be on the pitch. I do not think any footballer is a good spectator. You want to be out there doing your best and helping the team in any way you can.

“To be back now is very pleasing. I am determined to make up for lost time and do everything I can to help Glentoran secure the results we need.

“We are at a stage where every game is significant, but we relish that because we know what is at stake. We are aiming for a big finish to the season.”