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Ciarán Coll relishing ‘Big Two’ Irish Cup showdown

Thu, 30/01/2025 - 16:07

Glentoran’s Ciarán Coll is relishing the opportunity to experience his first taste of the Belfast ‘Big Two’ derby as the Glens prepare to welcome rivals Linfield to the BetMcLean Oval for a knock-out Clearer Water Irish Cup Sixth Round tie on Friday 31st January 2025 (Kick-off: 7.45pm).

The east Belfast side will be aiming to take another step toward their 24th Irish Cup triumph, their first since 2020, while also seeking to extend their unbeaten run against Linfield to five games.

Coll, who joined Glentoran from Derry City in the January transfer window, made his debut last weekend and played a key role as the Glens came from behind to defeat Loughgall 2-1 at Lakeview Park.

The experienced defender is now embracing the challenge of potentially making his home debut at a packed BetMcLean Oval in a high-stakes Irish Cup clash against Glentoran’s biggest rivals.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Ciarán Coll said: "These are the games every player wants to be part of. The ‘Big Two’ derby is the biggest fixture in local football and I’ve always watched from afar, seeing the intensity, passion and rivalry that comes with it. To now have the chance to be part of it is something I’m really looking forward to.

"I was delighted to get my first minutes under my belt against Loughgall, but now I’m desperate to be involved on Friday night. If I’m selected, making my home debut in front of a packed BetMcLean Oval for a cup tie of this magnitude would be an incredible experience. The atmosphere will be electric and these are the occasions that you want to be involved in as a player."

 

Declan Devine’s side remain unbeaten against their rivals this season, winning three of their four encounters across all competitions. Glentoran secured a 3-1 victory at the National Stadium in October, followed by a 1-0 win at the BetMcLean Oval in November, where they played most of the second half with ten men.

The Glens continued their winning run with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph in the BetMcLean Cup at the National Stadium in December, before the most recent meeting on Boxing Day ended in a goalless draw.

Glentoran will be looking to extend their unbeaten run over Linfield this season as they push to book their place in the next round of the Irish Cup and it’s a challenge that new signing Ciarán Coll is relishing.

Coll said: "Linfield have been the most consistent team in the league, which is why they sit at the top of the table. But we’ve proven that we can go toe-to-toe with them. We’ve faced them four times this season without defeat and we’re determined to extend that unbeaten record on Friday night.

"These games will be decided by the finest of margins - one moment of brilliance or a lapse in concentration can make all the difference. We’ve shown resilience, quality and character in big moments this season, particularly in cup competitions, and we’re ready for another huge test.

"Linfield have quality all over the pitch and will come here determined to progress, but we’ll be ready. From the first whistle, we want to impose ourselves, dictate the tempo and play with the same intensity and purpose that has carried us through this incredible 12-game unbeaten run. We’ll take the game to them and make sure it’s us booking a place in the next round."

Glentoran’s dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Larne to secure the County Antrim Shield has fuelled belief within the squad that this is just the start of a successful season.

A BetMcLean Cup Final against Cliftonville in March and Friday night’s Clearer Water Irish Cup showdown mean the Glens remain firmly in the hunt for more silverware.

Although Ciarán Coll was sidelined for the Shield final due to injury, both he and the squad are hungry for further success, determined to build on their momentum and add more trophies to the club’s collection.

Ciarán said: “Winning the County Antrim Shield was a huge moment for the squad. You could see what it meant to the players, staff and supporters. There is a real hunger and determination within this group to bring more success to the club."

"Nobody works harder than Declan and Paddy. They are the first ones in the building and the last to leave and they’ve built a squad with the right mentality to challenge for trophies. The players have completely bought into their vision and the standards they set are incredibly high.

"We’re determined to keep this unbeaten cup run going and we want to go all the way in this competition. The fans were bouncing at Seaview when we lifted the Shield – imagine what east Belfast would be like if we brought the Irish Cup back to the BetMcLean Oval. That’s the motivation for everyone in this squad."

Ciarán Coll is now fully fit and eager to cement his place as a key figure in Declan Devine’s side for the remainder of the season. With crucial fixtures ahead, he is determined to play his part in Glentoran’s push for silverware and a return to European football.

Coll added: "From the day I arrived at Glentoran, I’ve felt at home. Now that I’m fully fit, I just want to get out there and give everything for this club. My focus is on earning my place in the team, performing at my best and helping Glentoran challenge on all fronts.

"With a cup final ahead, a massive Irish Cup tie on Friday night, and crucial league fixtures as we fight for European qualification, we know what’s at stake. There’s a winning mentality in this squad and everyone is focused on the same goal - bringing silverware back to the BetMcLean Oval.

For Glentoran fans planning to attend the Clearer Water Irish Cup Sixth Round tie against Linfield tickets are available for purchase at: https://www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-home-fans.