Rising Glentoran star Johnny Russell has hailed the influence of Marcus Kane on his fledgling career.
Russell has climbed through the ranks at the Oval, having progressed through the various age groups to become a firm fixture in Declan Devine's first-team.
The 20-year-old has spent almost a decade at the Mersey Street club, while legendary captain Kane is coming up on 13 years in East Belfast.
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At 33, Kane is one of the elder statesmen in Devine's squad, a senior figure who is helping guide the careers of the young talent coming through, including Russell.
"Marcus Kane would be a big one for me. He has played my position for many years and has been brilliant with me. He has helped me throughout, especially when I broke into the team," he said.
"He has given me tips on how to get better, and he keeps pushing me to do better every day. I just need to keep improving and getting the results.
"He is a club legend and is able to help me with the demands and expectations here. I have been at the Glens for nine years now.
"He knows what it means to play for Glentoran, and I am getting used to it all now I am playing in the first team as well. So it definitely means a slot to play for Glentoran. It is such a big club.
"We need to bring more silverware back to where it belongs and hopefully we can do that."
Russell believes Glentoran are on the right track following a mesmerising unbeaten run which stretches back to November. They have already lifted the County Antrim Shield and are into the final of the BetMcLean Cup.
They are still in the Irish Cup and sit second in the Premiership.
He said: “In the last year there has been a massive change, and we have more belief as well as a never say die attitude. We keep going right to the end as we are a lot fitter.
"Deccy had us putting the miles in during a tough pre-season. Hopefully that helps us to keep getting results. Everyone is pulling in the one direction and hoping for a strong finish to the season.”
Russell has proved his versatility this season, playing at both centre-back and right-back.
He believes he has 'held his own' and has welcomed the competition for places.
He added: “Danny Amos has come in and it has been tough to get into my natural position at left back. I have played at right back and held my own, I've been playing at centre-back and don't mind where I play in the backline or anywhere for the team.
“We just need to keep working hard in training because there is big competition for places with boys coming back from injury. We will be okay if we keep working hard and pulling in the same direction.
“I had never played right back before this season, a few injuries happened and Deccy trusted me at right back. Thankfully I have done okay and need to keep improving.”
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