The club has agreed to Ballymena United’s request to take Mal Smith on loan until the end of this season.
Mal is under contract until the end of 2022/23 season but the Head Coach has agreed that it would be beneficial for the player to get regular game time in the Danske Bank Premiership before returning to fight for his place at Glentoran next season
Mal (20) is very much one of our own, being from East Belfast and having joined the club as an eleven-year-old in August 2012. He has come right through the ranks of Glentoran Academy before making his first team debut in a 5-0 away win at Warrenpoint Town in February 2019. Since then Mal has made 28 first team appearances scoring three goals. He already has an Irish Cup winner’s medal with the Glens after making a substitute appearance in the 2020 final win over his new temporary club. Mal has been a constant member of the first team matchday panel this season, making fifteen appearances, largely from the bench, and scoring twice.
Mick McDermott: “Mal is an outstanding talent and a product of our superb Academy.
He has played in some big games for us; including the Irish Cup final of 2020 and has always performed well when called upon.
His talent deserves to play, and he has found it difficult to break into our starting line-up so far. This loan deal is a step in the right direction for his football development and career.
I have no doubt that Mal, who is Glentoran through-and-through, will return to us a better and more experienced player and will enjoy a fantastic career at the Oval.”
All at Glentoran wish Mal the very best of luck for his loan, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Bet McLean Oval for pre-season training in the summer.
Mal celebrates one of his two goals v Banbridge Town earlier this season
