Glentoran left-back Danny Amos has praised the team’s winning mentality and togetherness as the Glens prepare for a crucial Sports Direct Premiership clash with Larne at the BetMcLean Oval on Saturday 18th January 2025 (kick-off 3pm).
Unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions and with two cup final appearances secured, the Glens are full of confidence following their dramatic 4-2 extra-time victory over Crusaders in the BetMcLean Cup Semi-Final.
Declan Devine’s men will aim to carry that momentum into the first of a vital doubleheader against Larne on Saturday, with the County Antrim Shield Final at Seaview set for next Tuesday night.
Currently sitting third in the table with 38 points from 23 games, Glentoran are well aware of the challenge posed by Larne, who occupy fifth place with 32 points. Despite being six points adrift, Larne have five games in hand due to their UEFA Conference League commitments.
The reigning double league champions have already beaten the Glens twice this season with 2-0 victories – first at Inver Park in September and again at the BetMcLean Oval in November. However, Glentoran will be determined to turn the tide in this doubleheader and even the score against Larne, starting with Saturday’s clash at the Oval.
Danny Amos, who joined the Glens in August 2024, has established himself as a key player this season, contributing three goals and seven assists from left-back. As the Glens prepare for this weekend’s encounter with Larne, the former Northern Ireland U21 international reflected on their impressive unbeaten run and the challenges posed by the Inver Reds.
Amos said: “We’re on a great run of form, having gone ten games unbeaten across all competitions and secured places in two cup finals. That speaks volumes about the hard work, determination, and belief within this squad. The confidence in the dressing room is sky-high, and the momentum we’ve built has been outstanding.
“That said, Larne are a quality side, and we’re under no illusions about the challenge they’ll bring. They’ve beaten us twice this season and are double league champions for a reason. We’ll need to be at our very best to take all three points this weekend.
“But this is a different Glentoran team compared to earlier in the season. Mentally, we’re stronger, playing with belief, and genuinely feel we can compete with and beat anyone in this league.
“Declan, Tim, Elliott, and Paddy have instilled a winning mentality throughout the squad, and there’s a clear understanding of what’s expected at a big club like Glentoran. Saturday is an opportunity to show how far we’ve come and prove our progress as a team.”
Glentoran’s ten-game unbeaten run has been marked by key victories in both league and cup competitions with Declan Devine’s men demonstrating a winning mentality that has enabled them to overcome an inconsistent start to the season.
Danny Amos praised the squad’s hunger and determination to keep building on their recent strong form, highlighting the collective ambition within the Glentoran dressing room.
Danny said: “Recent results and reaching two cup finals have been fantastic, but we’re under no illusions – nothing has been won yet. We’re a hungry and ambitious squad, and we want more. Our aim is to sustain this form, make an impact in the league, and bring the trophies and success this club and its incredible fans deserve.
“We’re also determined to repay the faith that Declan and his coaching staff have shown in us. Their belief and constant drive to push us to improve have been key to this run of form. The focus now is on taking it one game at a time, maintaining the momentum we’ve built, and continuing to push this club forward.”
The former Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and Grimsby Town defender has quickly adapted to life at the BetMcLean Oval and has become a firm fan favourite with his dead-ball ability and attacking contributions from left-back.
Reflecting on his time so far at the BetMcLean Oval, Amos emphasised the influence of Declan Devine and the coaching staff at Glentoran, as well as the remarkable togetherness and camaraderie within the squad.
Amos said: “Since joining Glentoran, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my football. The atmosphere around the club is incredible, and the support from the fans, staff, and my teammates has made sttling in effortless.
“Playing in such a competitive league has improved my game a lot and I’ve been delighted to contribute with goals and assists. The coaching staff have been brilliant in helping me develop different areas of my game and the intensity of this league challenges me to improve every week.
“What really stands out is the togetherness in this squad. We’re not just teammates – we’re friends off the pitch as well. Whether it’s training, travelling or spending time together, there’s a real sense of unity. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, fighting for success and aiming to bring silverware back to the Oval.”
For Glentoran fans planning to attend the Sports Direct Premiership Fixture against Larne at the BetMcLean Oval on Saturday 18th January (Kick-Off: 3pm) tickets are available to purchase at https://www.glentoran.com/tickets.