Kirsty’s homing in

Kirsty McGuinness insists Cliftonville Ladies will not be nursing a European hangover when they return to domestic issues this evening.

A week on from their Women’s Champions League exploits in Portugal, the Reds take on Lisburn Rangers Ladies in the semi-finals of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup, with McGuinness maintaining that nothing will be taken for granted against the NIWFA Championship side at Seaview.

“Portugal was a great experience for the whole squad but we are looking forward to getting back to the League and Cups and hopefully getting ourselves into another Cup Final,” explains the 28-year-old, who has already helped Cliftonville to County Antrim Cup and Women’s Premiership League Cup success this season.

“It was business in Portugal and it will be business tonight. No matter where or what we are playing in, we know we have to work hard to get the win regardless of the opposition and that’s what the rest of the season will be.”

The Reds got the better of Lisburn Rangers Ladies en route to that County Antrim Cup triumph so McGuinness and co have a degree of familiarity with the challenge that awaits them this evening and the striker warns that their opponents – who will be playing Premiership football next term – are not to be underestimated.

“They are a young team with lots of enthusiasm and there is a reason they have got this far in the competition,” she stresses.

“Again, though, we have worked hard in training and prepared as best as we can, so we are looking forward to getting out on to the pitch now.”