Marcus Kane is battling to be fit for Sunday's BetMcLean Cup final against Cliftonville after limping out of Glentoran's Irish Cup defeat to Bangor last week.
The Glens captain had to sit out their Co Antrim Shield triumph earlier this season due to injury but was part of the trophy celebrations at Seaview.
The 33-year-old said it's never easy to sit out a final but it was made a bit easier to see his side come away with the win.
“It pains me not to play but I will always support the boys, and we were able to lift the Shield," said Kane. “I lifted it with Sule and to be honest it was that heavy I couldn’t have lifted it myself!
“I have no concerns about not playing as long as the boys win but my appetite to play and win is still strong, and everyone wants to play in a final.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I haven't played in a League Cup final and hopefully I can feature.
“Winning breeds success and that was the feeling after the Shield win. If you can win trophies, it can give you momentum towards the end of the season."
The Shield win at Seaview showed the real connection between the club and fans which has been galvanised by manager Declan Devine this season and Kane says it is not just about Glentoran but East Belfast as a whole.
“I love playing for Deccy – he's a Glenman and played for the club," said the big defender. “He has won at this stadium and knows what it means to win trophies for the club.
“He knows how well the fans get behind you and what is needed to challenge for silverware. We are glad to make the final and it would be nice to bring another bit of silverware to The Oval.
“There will be more than 15,000 fans at the game and it’s a special game for everyone. Hopefully we can deliver on the day and bring the trophy back to east Belfast.
“For Glentoran it is east Belfast – it is not just Glentoran, it’s all about community and we are reaching out to the community.
“It’s hitting home that Glentoran’s roots are firmly in east Belfast and that helps the boys as they know the fans will support us when things aren’t going our way."
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