It’s the first time in 16 years Belfast’s Big Two have met in a final
Versatile James Singleton believes it could be glorious finale to the season for Glentoran – starting with Sunday’s massive McLean Cup Final showdown against rivals Linfield at Windsor Park.
Declan Devine’s men also have their sights set on the Irish League title. They haven’t had their hands on the Gibson Cup since 2009, but are hot on the tails of League leaders Larne.
Singleton, however, is targeting a first piece of silverware in the form of the BetMcLean Cup. Incredibly, it’s the first time in 16 years Belfast’s Big Two have met in a final – and the former Glenavon man wants to make the most of it.
“We are in good shape approaching the game,” he said. “Linfield beat us recently at Windsor in a League game, but there was nothing in the match . . . that was our only defeat in 12 games or so.
“We created good chances on the night, but Linfield took one that came there way.
“It probably wasn’t the best game of football, but Linfield managed to get the three points on the day.”
Singleton believes Glentoran now have a squad capable of challenging for all major honours.
“The manager has brought in some fantastic players at the start of the season and in January as well,” he added. “We now have two quality players for each position.
“We are in a good place at the minute. We can produce flair, but we can also dig in when needed.
“It’s been hectic over the past few weeks in terms of playing schedule. It has been rest, recovery and play because we have been involved in so many games.
“There is so much at stake in every game, we couldn’t afford to look ahead in terms of this Cup Final, but we are ready to go, it should be a great spectacle.
“We would love to get over the line for our supporters. They have stuck with us through thick and thin, it would be great to give them something to celebrate.”
Meanwhile, Linfield boss David Healy believes is team must show a big improvement following their unconvincing League win over Portadown.
“The most important thing is winning at this time of the season,” he said. “We should have been better, we could have played better. It was disappointing.
“But we found a way to win and that’s the most important thing.
“We are trying to close the gap on the teams above us, but we will need to be better going forward.
“We’ll certainly need to improve against Glentoran or we’ll be found out. It should be a great spectacle, I’m excited and I’m looking forward to it.”
The introduction of VAR (Visual Assisted Referee) will also be in use for the first time in a local game.
Healy added: “Firstly, as a club we were not consulted, which was disappointing.
“I know it’s used throughout the world, but hopefully, it will not be the topic of conversation 20 minutes after the game.
“People form their own opinions; it remains to be seen whether it will be a success or not.”
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