Every day is a learning day for Kodi Lyons-Foster as he looks to achieve the "highest standards" with Glentoran. The defender has been a pivotal force in the club's mesmerising 16-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

It has seen Declan Devine's men surge into second spot in the Irish Premiership. And while Linfield may be out of sight in the race for the Gibson Cup, European qualification has become a solid prospect for the East Belfast side.

Silverware success is also on the club's radar, having already bagged the County Antrim Shield. The Glens are also into this month's BetMcLean Cup final and the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup.

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Lyons-Foster has made 26 appearances this term, scoring two goals including a header against Coleraine last week. Despite the progress, the former Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Bristol City academy graduate insists there is plenty of room for improvement.

Tuesday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Ballymena United was evidence of that, with Glentoran conceding a late equaliser at the Showgrounds to ship two vital points.

Lyons-Foster says the squad's focus has now switched to Friday night's trip to Solitude, and another Premiership acid test against Cliftonville.

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 is a dress rehearsal of next month’s BetMcLean Cup Final, where Glentoran and Cliftonville will meet at Windsor Park in front of a packed crowd.

The Glens have already edged two hard-fought victories over the Reds this season, winning 1-0 at The Oval in September before securing a 2-1 comeback win at Solitude in December.

"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," Lyons-Foster said.

"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."

"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."

He added: "Declan, along with Paddy (McCourt) and Tim (McCann), 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."

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