The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm)
Josh Daniels admits he Linfield on his radar right from the moment he joined Big Two rivals Glentoran last month.
The 29-year-old ‘can’t wait’ for his first taste of Big Two action at Windsor Park on Saturday evening (6pm).
The former Derry City, Glenavon, Shrewsbury and TNS player arrived to the Oval on the January transfer window deadline day with games like this in his mind.
“Derby games always have an extra edge to them but the Big Two game is extra special,” said the midfielder.
“There has been so much rivalry between the clubs down the years every game carries that bit more weight. When I joined I found out we would be playing them in a couple of weeks so that was definitely something to look forward to.
“I can’t wait, it’s going to be a great atmosphere with a big crowd and that’s what you want to be involved in as players.
“We have to focus on the task in hand and make sure that we work hard and produce a performance which is good enough to get the points.
“We know it won’t be easy as they are on a decent run of form and they are at home too, but we are also on a good run and confidence is high in the camp.
“We want to keep our unbeaten run going and we will be doing all we can to make that happen.”
Daniels is feeling right at home in east Belfast following his return to the Irish League and has started the last three games as the Glens extended their recent unbeaten run.
Daniels has been impressed with the standards, both in the league and under the current regime at Glentoran under Declan Devine.
“There are now a number of teams who operate under a full-time model, and that has helped the overall quality of the league,” he said.
“Teams have looked further afield to strengthen their squad with the offer of full-time football and the potential of playing in Europe a big carrot for players.
“The part-time teams also seem to have benefited too by picking up players who maybe are unable to turn full-time, so that has helped strengthen the other sides as well.
“In my opinion that’s good, because you know that you have to be on it every week if you are going to be successful. Those are the standards that Decky and his staff have been driving here since they arrived according to the rest of the boys.
“We have a very talented squad here but we all know it’s about putting a shift in every week too. If you don’t do that you could end up with egg on your face.
“I knew Glentoran was a massive club but I don’t think you really appreciate the scale of it and the history until you join.
“Just because you have been successful in the past though it doesn’t mean you are going to be again. That only comes from everyone buying into the common goal and working hard to achieve it.
“When I first spoke to Decky about signing I could see the desire and hunger he has to make this club successful again and challenge for honours. Every player here has bought into that and has the drive to go on and do it.”
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