IRISH LEAGUE: Gormley would be welcomed back to Reds - Lyttle

The striker has been invited to train with his former side after quitting full-time football.

The Reds could certainly do with someone of his prowess in front of goal after spurning a series of chances in this frustrating stalemate.

Lyttle said: “Joe has been invited to training. He’s a local lad, he loves Cliftonville, and he’s very close and friendly with a lot of the lads.

“Joe would be welcomed with open arms. He knows that, everybody knows that.”

However, the fact that Gormley has already turned out for two clubs this season is threatening to thwart any deal. He played five minutes for Peterborough before joining Scottish side St Johnstone on loan.

Gormley would need special dispensation from Fifa to play for a third in one season.

“I’m not sure what the situation is in terms of his contract. Until I know I don’t want to say too much,” Lyttle added.

The Reds boss was frustrated by his side’s failure to take their chances at Stangmore Park. They could have gone ahead inside 30 seconds but Daniel Hughes’ effort was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Dungannon took the lead after 13 minutes when Andrew Mitchell raced through on goal and fired home with his left foot.

However, the Reds were level six minutes into the second half. Tomas Cosgrove played a good ball to Chris Curran, who reacted smartly when the ball bounced up, firing home with his right foot.

Cliftonville could have won it in the 77th minute when David McDaid won a penalty. However, goalkeeper Andy Coleman guessed correctly, diving to his right to make the save and keep the score level.

Lyttle added: “We totally dominated the second half and did everything but score. For me it is definitely two points dropped.

“It’s an opportunity missed and one we will be scratching our heads over.”

Dungannon coaches Alan Cooke and Terry McCrory took charge of this game, with Rodney McAree recuperating after surgery earlier in the week.

Cooke said: “Cliftonville probably had the lion’s share of possession but I thought overall we defended very well. We got an early goal and gave ourselves an opportunity but they came back, and Andy Coleman has saved us a point in the end.”