Glentoran boss Declan Devine has issued a rallying cry to his team as they prepare for Tuesday night's crunch Sports Direct Premiership Split opener against Coleraine. With just five games remaining, Devine has told his players to seize the moment and set the tone for their push for European qualification.
The Glens currently occupy third spot, behind second-placed Larne on goal difference, and only four clear of Dungannon Swifts and Crusaders. Devine views the Coleraine clash, their sole home tie in the split, as a chance to make a statement.
The manager stated: "This is it - the first of five very important games. Five cup finals. Everything we've worked for in the league comes down to these next few weeks. I've told the players we can't let this opportunity slip through our fingers - we need to stand up, be brave, and be counted.
"We know the results in recent weeks haven't been good enough - and we don't hide from that. But that run is behind us now. What matters is how we respond. We've got a huge opportunity to bring European football back to this club and we have to grab it with both hands.
"There are five teams - including ourselves and excluding Linfield - in the hunt for Europe and nothing is guaranteed. The split's fixture list hasn't been kind to us, with four of our five games away from home, but that's the challenge. We won't use it as an excuse. We know that on our day, we can match and beat anyone in this league - and it's time to go out there and prove it."
The Glens are set to return to the pitch following their narrow 1-0 loss to Crusaders on 22nd March, following after three consecutive league draws against Glenavon (3-3), Carrick Rangers (0-0) and Larne (2-2).
Their last league victory was on March 4, when Nathaniel Ferris scored the winning goal in a 1-0 triumph over Ballymena United at The BetMcLean Oval. Despite recent results being less than ideal, Devine believes the extended 10-day break has provided his squad with a crucial chance to reset, recharge and refocus for the final stretch of the season.
"Let's be clear - the effort and work rate have never been in question," he stated. "The players have given absolutely everything during a relentless run of games, but the results simply haven't matched the levels we expect.
"This past week has been a valuable opportunity to reset. Since returning to training last Thursday, the response has been exactly what I wanted - intensity, commitment and a real hunger to put things right.
"After the Crusaders game, we spoke honestly as a group - not about effort, because that's always been there - but about standards. About stepping up and showing what we're really about. The players have embraced that challenge."
Glentoran have faced off against Coleraine three times this season. The first encounter ended in a 0-0 draw at The BetMcLean Oval back in August, while the Bannsiders narrowly won 2-1 at The Showgrounds in October.
However, on Valentine's Day, the Glens put on a commanding performance to secure a 2-1 victory on the road - and Devine is hoping for a repeat performance on Tuesday night.
Devine added: "Coleraine are a strong side with quality all over the pitch. They've been on a good run and haven't lost in the league since we beat them at The Showgrounds in February, so they'll come here with confidence and plenty to play for.
"We respect Coleraine, but this is about us. It's about how we impose ourselves on the game and deliver a performance that gives our fans something to cheer about - and puts three important points on the board.
"This is our only home fixture in the split - and our final home game of the season - and we want to make it count. We want to get back to winning ways and we want to produce a performance that shows our appreciation to the supporters for their incredible backing all season."
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