Glentoran returned to winning ways last week against Glenavon to record our first league win in 4 matches. Despite the dip in form, we are still in the hunt at the top, only 6 points behind leaders Cliftonville in 5th place. The team news for tomorrow's match sees Elliot Morris return from suspension and is expected to replace Aaron Hogg in goal. Colin Nixon remains out after surgery last week and Andy Waterworth is doubtful to be fit in time for the game. Calum Birney has played for the reserves in their last two games as he searches for fitness and Jason Hill also appeared for the Seconds in Wednesday night's 9-2 win over Dungannon Reserves so could be in contention. Eamon Murray scored twice in the reserves game and may also be looking a call back to the first team after missing a number of weeks through injury.
For our hosts Donegal Celtic, the game will be Pat McAllister's first back in charge of his old club on his second spell. DC are currently bottom of the Danske Bank Premiership with just four points picked up so far. Their home record in particular has been disappointing with no wins all season and just 3 draws from their 6 home matches. But with a new manager at the helm, new life might be sparked in Celtic's players making this potentially one of the hardest times to play them so far this season.
In August, Glentoran defeated Donegal Celtic 3-1 at The Oval in the opening game of the league campaign. Andy Waterworth, Jay Magee and Jim O'Hanlon got the goals that day with Mark Miskimmon in reply for Celtic. Overall, Glentoran have a good record against DC winning 11 of our 16 meetings however a memorable defeat at The Oval early last season the week after we ended the 16 year wait for victory at Windsor proves a painful reminder of what our opposition are capable of. The players and management will no doubt not be taking anything for granted as they hope to produce a professional performance tomorrow and hopefully bring 3 points back home across the city with us.