Declan Devine has challenged his players to write themselves into Glentoran’s proud history with victory in Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup final against Linfield at the Clearer Twist National Stadium (Kick-off 3pm).

It’s a first final meeting between the Big Two since the Glens beat their old rivals in the Co Antrim Shield decider back in 2010.

The Oval outfit also won the League Cup earlier that year, their last victory in the competition and Devine is hoping they can rectify that come Sunday.

“It’s all set up to be a marvellous occasion, but it’s only one you will remember if you go on and win it,” said Devine.

“As we know all too well after last season’s defeat to Cliftonville it’s a sore one to take if you don’t go on and lift the trophy.

“That was an experience we don’t want to have to go through again so it was an important learning point for the squad.

“We have the opportunity on Sunday to create new memories for the team, the fans and the club as a whole and that’s what we are determined to do.

“We have a very proud history at this club given the success it has achieved down the years and we want to add to that.

“We haven’t managed to win this competition in almost 16 years and we want to put that right.

“It has been a good season for us so far and I feel we are going in the right direction, but ultimately you are judged by what you win.

“We have the opportunity to do that on Sunday and you have to make the most of it when it comes along as you never know when it will come around again.

“Winning the cup would be a perfect boost ahead of the final few weeks of the league campaign and help us maintain the momentum we have built up over the last few weeks.”

There has been little to choose between Glentoran and Linfield in their three meetings so far this season with both sides winning one apiece by a single goal with the other meeting finished in a 1-1 draw.

Devine is expecting another close encounter between the old rivals at the National Stadium on Sunday.

“I’m expecting another typical Big Two game on Sunday with no quarter asked or given,” said the Glens boss.

“We all know what these games are like, there is usually very little to choose between the teams with the players giving it everything.

“As with all games against your biggest rivals bragging rights are at stake but the fact this is a final with a trophy up for grabs just raises this up another few notches.

“It will also be a packed house with the passionate supporters cheering on their team so it is going to be spicy.

“These are the sort of games you want to be involved in as a player, manager or a supporter because of the intensity.

“But as I said it will only be one to remember if you come out on the right side of the result.

“We know it is going to be a tough game and we know we are going to have to be at our best and work hard on the day to secure the trophy.

“You also need a bit of good fortune on the day as well as our last meeting with Linfield when we played well, created some good chances but we couldn’t find a goal and ultimately lost the game.

“So there’s a number of factors you need to go your way to win a final, but we can only control what we do and first and foremost we have to make sure we perform on the day and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”

This will be Devine’s third final in just his second full season as Glentoran boss having won the Co Antrim Shield before losing out to Cliftonville in the BetMcLean Cup final last season.

And while the 52-year-old is pleased with the progress the club has made so far, he is hungry for more.

“No team deserves success, you have to earn it, but Glentoran is a club that needs to be challenging for honours,” said Devine.

“You don’t really understand the size of this place and the history attached to it until you are here.

“But I think that’s something which should be embraced, it’s not something you should feel the weight of.

“When you play here or you are manager you have the chance to write yourself into the proud history of Glentoran FC.

“What a fantastic honour it would be to be mentioned alongside some of the greats who have represented this club with distinction down the years, winning multiple honours and who are still talked about to this day.

“We are at the start of our journey here, but our goal is to be challenging for honours on a regular basis and ultimately to win as many as we can.

“We know what it means to the fans to have a successful team and we want to make special memories for them.

“They have been magnificent for us all season coming out in their numbers in all weathers to get behind their team.

“That support doesn’t go unnoticed, and it has helped us get over the line so many times already this season.

“I know it will be no different come Sunday. They will be out in force cheering us on for the entire game.

“We are determined to do all we can to give them a day to remember.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Sunday’s BetMcLean Cup Final against Linfield at the Clearer Twist National Stadium, a limited number of tickets are available to purchase at:  https://nifl.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/bet_mclean_cup_final_2026