
‘They looked dead on their feet' – George McMullan on what Cliftonville must do in Play-Off battle against Glentoran
Former Cliftonville star George McMullan believes the Reds must find more energy if they want to progress in the European Play-Offs.
They play Glentoran at The Oval on Wednesday night after losing the Irish Cup Final on penalties to Dungannon Swifts last Saturday, with the Play-Off decider to be played this Sunday.

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2 hours ago
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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
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Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
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Liverpool's hopeful deadline to seal Florian Wirtz deal after making third bid
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