Gerard Lyttle says he can't see Glentoran clawing their way back into this season's title race after Mick McDermott's men crashed to another defeat on Monday.
The Glens kicked off 2023 with a 2-0 loss at Ballymena United, goals from Sean Graham and Ryan Waide earning the Braidmen their win at the Showgrounds.
McDermott's side have now lost their last five games including four in the league and one in the BetMcLean Cup.
Read more: Irish Premiership recap as Reds see off Larne and Glens crash to defeat
It leaves them labouring in sixth spot in the Premiership, 10 points off Larne but with two games in hand.
However, Northern Ireland Under 17 and 19 boss Lyttle believes those games in hand "don't mean anything" if the Glens aren't winning.
"I'd definitely say they are well out of it now. I can't see them coming back," Lyttle told BBC Sportsound.
"We spoke about the two games in hand, but if you're not winning your games then the two games in hand don't mean anything.
"Every game is going to be tricky when you are going through a stage like this, and when there is no momentum.
"It is very difficult to get that back. It can take a silly goal or an ugly 1-0 win to get it back, and I think that's what Mick would wish for now."
Glentoran will now turn their focus to the Irish Cup.
Their opening game in this season's competition comes against Moyola Park on Saturday.
Lyttle says the East Belfast men need to start building momentum - and quickly.
"To be honest I thought they were going to Ballymena and they would start the new year with a positive start. They have probably dominated the game but everything is going against them at the minute," he said.
"And it is important they get something going fairly soon."
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