Glentoran defender Kodi Lyons-Foster is relishing the challenge of another huge away game as the Glens prepare to face Cliftonville at Solitude tonight in the Sports Direct Premiership (Kick-off: 7:45pm).
A defensive regular in Glentoran’s current 16-game unbeaten run, the 28-year-old has been a pillar of consistency at the heart of the Glens backline, making 26 appearances and scoring two goals, including a decisive headed winner against Coleraine last Friday night.
Since cementing his place in the Glens’ starting XI, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Bristol City academy graduate has delivered a string of commanding performances, playing a key role in Glentoran’s push on multiple fronts this season.
Despite the team’s impressive run, Lyons-Foster insists there’s no room for complacency and believes the squad must learn from Tuesday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Ballymena United.
Lyons-Foster said: "We hold ourselves to the highest standards, so conceding so late against Ballymena was a tough one to take. We controlled large parts of the game and not seeing it through was frustrating.
“Credit to Ballymena for continuing to chase the game right to the end, but we expect better from ourselves in those key moments. We’ll take the lessons from that game and make sure we’re stronger heading into Friday night."
"Even on our day off, the lads have been active in the squad WhatsApp group, making sure we’re fully switched on for Cliftonville and ready to go. We know what’s required and we’re determined to put things right and take all three points.”
Friday’s clash also serves as a dress rehearsal of next month’s BetMcLean Cup Final, where Glentoran and Cliftonville will meet at the National Stadium. The Glens have already edged two hard-fought victories over Cliftonville this season, winning 1-0 at The BetMcLean Oval in September before securing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win at Solitude in December.
Having already overcome Cliftonville twice, Lyons-Foster knows another gutsy performance will be required to make it three.
Kodi, added: "Cliftonville are a top-quality side with plenty of attacking threats and we know they’ll be a real test. They play with intensity, move the ball well and are dangerous in transition, especially at Solitude, where they make full use of their home advantage."
"We’ve already proven we can beat them, which gives us confidence, but past results count for nothing once the whistle blows. To get the result, we must be disciplined, compact and fully focused from start to finish. It’s vital that we match their intensity, outwork them across the pitch and win our individual battles.
"Games at this level are often decided by the finest margins, and that’s been the case against Cliftonville and many other teams this season. We need to ensure we’re the side that comes out on top."
Since his arrival in East Belfast last summer, Kodi Lyons-Foster has fully embraced life at Glentoran. Initially taking time to adjust to a new league and living away from family, he has grown into one of the squad’s most consistent and dependable performers.
Lyons-Foster said: "Moving to a new league and settling into a different environment always comes with challenges, but I’ve really embraced everything about Glentoran. At first, it was about adjusting to the style of play and getting used to life away from family, but the club, the staff and the fans have made that transition so much easier for me.
"Now, I feel completely at home at the BetMcLean Oval. My confidence has grown with every game and I think that’s reflected in my performances. The dressing room is a fantastic place to be and I’ve built some great relationships with my teammates. There’s a real togetherness in this squad and that’s pushing all of us to be better every day."
Lyons-Foster believes the culture at Glentoran has been instrumental in shaping both his individual performances and the team’s success. Under Declan Devine’s leadership, he sees a squad that refuses to settle for anything less than the highest standards, an attitude that will drive them as they aim to take all three points on Friday night.
Kodi, added: "Declan, along with Paddy and Tim, has instilled a winning mentality here, one built on relentless hard work and a desire to bring success to the club. Every player is pushing themselves and each other and that’s exactly what you need at a club like Glentoran.
"There’s real competition for places and that’s how it should be. It’s driving everyone to maintain their standards and perform at their absolute best. Declan has created an environment where nothing less than total commitment and playing for the badge is accepted and that mentality is why we’re seeing results on the pitch."
For Glentoran fans planning to attend the Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Cliftonville, tickets are available for purchase at: https://www.tickets.cliftonvillefc.net/ticket_centre
