Tim McCann believes Glens’ recent form will help them complete hat-trick over Blues – The Irish News

Character and desire are the qualities Tim McCann hopes will see Glentoran beat Linfield for the fourth time this season on St Stephem’s Day.

The bitter rivals clash at The Oval on Thursday in the traditional St Stephen’s Day clash with the Blues leading the Sports Direct Premier League by a comfortable thirteen points.

But the Glens are in red-hot form going into the Belfast derby having won four of their last five matches, the other drawing 2-2 at Loughgall.

Two of the four wins have come against their South Belfast counterparts, a 1-0 win for Glentoran in both the Bet McClean Cup and the league.

Furthermore, the last three wins came on Glentoran’s travels and included thrilling comebacks against Crusaders at Seaview and Cliftonville at Solitude on Saturday.

That is what McCann would like to see from the Glentoran players and there is more to come, says the Glens coach.

“In particular, the willingness of the players to fight for the shirt in the last two games was fantastic to see,” said the former Glentoran winger.

“They came from a goal down at both Seaview and Solitude to win both games, two very tough games.

“The players showed great character and battled in both games and we will need more of the same against Linfield.

“We’ve been on a good run, unbeaten in five games and two of those were against the Blues.

“They want pain and they want revenge, especially with us, and we have to be ready for that.

“It’s the biggest derby game on this island on the biggest day of the year in our game, The Oval will be packed and the atmosphere will be electric.

“Linfield get the likes of Sam Roscoe, Ben Hall and Stevie Fallon back and fair play to David Healy, he has coped well with the injuries his side have suffered.

“But the fact that we are unbeaten in five games gives us confidence and there is still more in the cupboard.

“I don’t think we’ve peaked yet and the board have backed Deccie (Devine) by giving him a new contract.

“It provides stability and a basis for us to develop.”

Glentoran’s excellent form took the East Belfast club to third in the table going into Boxing Day.

Like second-placed Portadown, the Glens trail the Blues by thirteen points, but many Bluemen want more, much to McCann’s confusion.

“I don’t understand the criticism of David Healy from some quarters, Linfield are thirteen points clear but some are still complaining.

“Managing one of the big two clubs is a very difficult job, I think David has done a brilliant job in his time at Linfield and maybe he is underrated by some.

“I can guarantee you that every single manager in the division would love to be thirteen points clear at the top of the table right now.”

Jay Donnelly remains suspended for the Glens, while Joel Cooper returns to action for Linfield after serving a one-match ban.