Declan Devine has been left baffled by the lack of respect put on the name of Glentoran star Fuad Sule this season. The midfielder has been one of the standout performers in the Irish Premiership, and a galvanising force behind the Oval club's mesmerising unbeaten run since November.
Glentoran have already won the County Antrim Shield and are into the final of the BetMcLean Cup. They remain in the Irish Cup and currently sit second in the Premiership.
Much of their revival can be put down to the displays of former Larne midfielder Sule, but the 28-year-old has often been left out of the conversation when fans and pundits discuss this season's top performers in the Irish League.
Devine said: “For me, he has gone largely unnoticed this season outside of the club. He hasn't been in many teams of the week or won a Player of the Month award. I think he has been overlooked, but the Glentoran supporters and everyone at the club know how important he is to us.
“We know exactly what he brings with his daily involvement with the team, even if others don't recognise that. He has been in the top two or three midfield players in the League. He has been a huge influence for us.
“It's not sour grapes, but apart from Glentoran fans, I don't really see any praise for him. He goes under the radar but has probably won more Man of the Match awards for us this season than anyone else.
“He's an outstanding person and player. His appetite, energy levels and ability are remarkable. He plays as a holding midfield player, but he could be an attacking midfield player with the amount of ground he covers.”
Sule has yet to sign a new contract with the Glens, an impasse Devine is keen to get resolved as soon as possible.
He added: "Fuad said himself conversations have been had and will continue to be had, he's a very intelligent man and wants to look at his future closer to the end of the season. That is fine because we know we can trust and rely on him a million per cent no matter what way he sees his future. We are extremely lucky to have him and hopefully that continues.
“He is such an important cog in our machine. He is a player I have known from his debut in the League of Ireland with Bohemians before he went to England. When you come in the door as a manager and you see the likes of a Sule there, you are rubbing your hands because he is such a top professional.
“He is a player with a massive future in the game given his age and experience. We are very fortunate because he drives me on as well when I see this application on a daily basis.
“Everyone has to come along with that and it has been great to see a drive and determination about the players. He is certainly in that top bracket of players in our League.”
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