Gerard Lyttle had a spell as a reserve team player at Celtic

Gerard Lyttle keen to be next Cliftonville manager

Caretaker boss Gerard Lyttle says he wants to be appointed Cliftonville manager on a permanent basis after watching the 1-0 win over Glentoran.

Saturday's success at Solitude could have boosted Lyttle's chances of succeeding Tommy Breslin.

But Cliftonville have made it clear they will advertise the position.

"It is something I have been working towards for a few years, although the opportunity has come sooner than I expected," said 37-year-old Lyttle.

"I have always been ambitious as a coach and now is the time to step up to the mark. I am ready for it.

"The chairman Gerard Lawlor and the board know what I want. I am keen and positive.

"It was a shock to us when Tommy resigned – we did not see it coming.

"He has been a great servant to Cliftonville, as a player, reserve team coach, assistant manager and then winning so many trophies in four and a half years as the manager.

"He gave it a lot of through and came to his decision."

Lyttle is being assisted by former Manchester United and Northern Ireland defender Mal Donaghy.

Chairman Lawlor said the Cliftonville board would discuss the managerial vacancy at their scheduled meeting on Wednesday night.

He revealed the club had already received some applications for the post, even though it had still to be advertised.

Mal Donaghy has been recruited as assistant to Cliftonville caretaker manager Gerard Lyttle