Soccer

Tim McCann thinks that Glens’ recent form will help them complete a hat-trick over Blues

The Glens have four wins in their last five games, including two wins against St Stephen’s Day opponents Linfield

Jay Donnelly celebrates with his teammates as Glentoran levels the scoring during their game at Windsor Park, Belfast
Glentoran are going for a hat-trick on the season against Linfield. Photo: Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press (Andrew McCarroll/Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Pres)

Character and desire are the attributes Tim McCann hopes will see Glentoran beat Linfield for a fourth time this season on St Stephem’s Day.

The bitter rivals clash at The Oval on Thursday in the traditional St Stephen’s Day showdown with the Blues leading the Sports Direct Premiership by a handsome thirteen points.

But the Glens are in red-hot form going into the Belfast derby having won four of their last five games, drawing the other 2-2 against Loughgall.

Two of the four victories have come against their South Belfast counterparts, a 1-0 win for Glentoran in both the Bet McClean Cup and the league.

Glentoran's Daniel Amos   celebrates his goal        In Today’s game at Solitude Cliftonville v Glentoran    in the Sports Direct premiership 

Desmond Loughery Pacemaker press
Glentoran come into the St Stephen's Day derby against Linfield having defeated Cliftonville at Solitude. PICTURE: Desmond Loughery Pacemaker press

Moreover, the last three wins came on Glentoran’s travels and included stirring comebacks, against Crusaders at Seaview and Cliftonville at Solitude on Saturday.

This is what McCann wanted to see from the Glentoran players and there is more to come, says the Glens coach.

“The willingness of the players to fight for the jersey in the last two games in particular was great to see”, said the former Glentoran winger.

“They came from a goal down at both Seaview and Solitude to win both games, two very difficult fixtures.

“The players showed great character and fight in both games and we are going to need more of the same against Linfield.

“We have been on a good run, unbeaten in five games and two of them were against the Blues.

“They will be hurting and they will want revenge, especially at our place, and we have to be ready for that.

“It’s the biggest derby game on this island on the biggest day of the year in our game, The Oval will be packed and the atmosphere will be electric.

“Linfield are getting players like Sam Roscoe, Ben Hall and Stevie Fallon back, and fair play to David Healy, he has coped well with the injuries his team has suffered.

Linfield manager David Healy
Linfield manager David Healy has had numerous injuries to deal with so far this season

“But the fact that we are unbeaten in five games gives us confidence and there is still more in the locker.

“I don’t think we’ve peaked yet and the board have backed Deccie (Devine) by giving him a new contract.

“That provides stability and a foundation for us to progress.”

Glentoran’s excellent form propelled the East Belfast club to third in the table going into Boxing Day.

Like second-placed Portadown, the Glens trail the Blues by thirteen points yet many Bluemen want more, to the bewilderment of McCann.

“I don’t understand the criticism towards David Healy from some quarters, Linfield are thirteen points clear but some are still complaining.

STEP ASIDE...Tim McCann’s determination allows him to win this ball ahead of Glenavon duo Mark Glendinning and Lee Doherty at Mourneview Park on Saturday
Tim McCann has praised David Healy for the managerial job he is going with Linfield, with his former club Glentoran going up against their 'Big Two' rivals on St Stephen's Day

“Managing either of the Big Two clubs is a very difficult job, I think David has done a brilliant job in his time at Linfield and perhaps he is underappreciated by some.

“I can guarantee you every single manager in the division would love to be thirteen points clear at the top of the table right now.”

Jay Donnelly remains suspended for the Glens while Joel Cooper returns to action for Linfield after serving a one-match suspension.