Jim Magilton is hoping the BetMcLean Cup can provide a welcome distraction from Cliftonville's League form.

The 2-0 defeat at Larne on Friday night was the fourth in a row for the Reds, who have hit a real sticky patch.

They head back to Inver Park again on Tuesday night as they bid to make it through to the BetMcLean Cup final with Magilton urging his side to eradicate the "fundamental errors" which have plagued them of late.

Read next: Shaun Want feels three-year injury problem is finally behind him as he targets big finish to the season

Read next: Jim Magilton calls for better governance on Irish League rule he can't get his head around

"Tuesday night is a huge game for us in the semi-final of the League Cup and we will try and build that confidence again," said the Reds boss. "It's probably a good distraction, we have to forget about the league.

"We've lost four on the trot and we can't get away from that. Fundamental errors are costing us games and that's something that has to be addressed. We're getting bodies back again now, which is good, now we just have to pick a team and say 'we're going with this'.

"We had that consistency with selection last season and we got results so we're going to try and get back to that. Larne are a very good side and they have great selections off the bench as well, which strengthens them as well.

"It's a tough ask but we have to be better and I know we will be as we'll address certain scenarios and hopefully we will eradicate those mistakes, as they are fundamental errors, and keep playing with the freedom that we have been."

Magilton feels his side have shown enough in their last two games against the reigning champions to give them the encouragement that they can get something out of Tuesday's last four clash.

"We've played well against Larne in those last two games," he said. "We were unfortunate not to come away with three points in the first game. On Friday night, in parts, I thought we created enough opportunities but didn't take them. That has to give us confidence and we will build on that."

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice