Gormley 'doesn't lose sleep' over last year's final omission

Cliftonville striker Joe Gormley said that he "doesn't lose sleep" over not featuring in last year's Irish Cup final win.

Gormley was the only substitute not used during the Reds' 3-1 extra-time win over Linfield in the decider at Windsor Park.

Despite not making it off the bench, Gormley was one of the first players over to congratulate Ronan Hale for scoring Cliftonville's third goal and says he looks back fondly on the day.

"You do think about it [not featuring] sometimes, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it," he told BBC Sport NI.

"Even though I didn't play last year because Cliftonville won it, I won it."

The 35-year-old is gearing up for his fourth Irish Cup final with the Reds on Saturday as they face Dungannon Swifts.

Unlike last year, Gormley is almost certain to start the decider having scored 20 league goals as well as the winner in the BetMcLean Cup final and the opener in the Irish Cup semi-final defeat of Ards.

Whilst keen to contribute in the final with his family watching on in the stands, Gormley is just hopeful the Reds can get past a high-flying Swifts side and retain the Irish Cup.

"I've been beaten in two Irish Cup finals, and they were still amazing days but last year we got the win, and it was an incredible day and what a feeling following the burden of 45 years," he added.

"It would mean the world to me to score this year, but as I always say if Cliftonville win, I win that is the main objective.

"I don't care who scores, the most important thing is we win the cup."

Cliftonville captain Rory Hale is also eager to see Gormley have an impact in the cup final and praised the experienced forward's mentality.

"The man never lets you down, I can't remember the last time he missed a training session or let us down," he said.

"He doesn't care if he plays 90 minutes or one minute, he wants to make an impact.

"It would be great to win the cup final, but it would be even better to see that man have a big say in it."

Hale was named man-of-the-match in last year's final after an all-action display which helped end the Reds' 45-year wait for an Irish Cup success.

He believes there is "probably a lot more pressure" on this year's cup final than last year's due to their difficult league campaign and need to qualify for Europe.

"Last year we had a really good league campaign, and we ended up qualifying for Europe before the split. This year it is a lot different; we've found ourselves in the bottom six which is really disappointing, so for European football this game means a lot," he explained.

With the League Cup already secured, Hale has his sights set on a cup double, which he thinks would be a great achievement after a difficult campaign on and off the pitch.

"A lot has gone on this season, we lost so many good players and a good friend Michael Newberry, who is always in our thoughts, so to go and do a double with the circumstances this group of players has had would be amazing, but it is only amazing if we can win the trophy. We need to win."