Declan Devine has called on his Glentoran players to leave everything on the pitch when they travel to Inver Park on Saturday evening (Kick-off: 5.30pm) for a winner-takes-all clash with Larne – with automatic European qualification up for grabs.
With one game remaining in the Sports Direct Premiership split fixtures, the Glens must win to leapfrog Larne into second place and secure a direct route into the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.
A draw or defeat would see the East Belfast side face the lottery of the European play-offs and the uncertainty of two additional games to secure their European ambitions.
Declan Devine said: “We can’t have any regrets come Saturday evening. We’ve got 90 minutes to show what we’re about and we’ve got to give absolutely everything to come away from Inver Park with the three points and secure our place in Europe.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point and now it all comes down to one game – a straight shootout between ourselves and Larne. They only need a draw, but we were always coming here with the mentality to win. In many ways, knowing exactly what we need suits us.
“We know how tough it’s going to be as Larne are a quality side. But every single player and member of staff has to step up. We need to be at our best and we need the belief and desire to give everything for the badge, for the club and for the supporters.”

The Glens head to Inver Park determined to respond after last weekend’s 3-2 defeat away to Dungannon Swifts. Top scorer Jordan Jenkins struck twice to take his tally to 18 in all competitions, but a late goal from Tomas Galvin handed the hosts the points.
Despite the setback, Devine believes his squad has shown the right reaction in training this week and is fully focused on finishing the season against Larne with European football to look forward to next term.
Devine said: “Last weekend was a setback and there’s no hiding from that. We didn’t reach the standards we expect of ourselves. But this week has been about how we respond and what I’ve seen in training has been everything I hoped for: energy, intensity and a real determination to put things right.
“The players know exactly what’s at stake. There’s been a real edge to everything we’ve done over the past few days. We’ve talked about focus, discipline and stepping up when it matters. I’ve seen a group that’s ready.
“We’ve also spoken about the fans – because they’re a huge part of this. They’ve backed us home and away, through every high and low. They’ve spent their hard-earned money, travelled all over the country and supported this club with real pride and passion.
“That support means everything. It’s never taken for granted. The players are determined to finish the season on a high and secure European football for this club and for the supporters who’ve been with us every step of the way.”
Saturday’s clash will be the fifth meeting between the sides this season and the fourth in the league. Larne have had the better of the Premiership encounters so far, recording 2-0 wins at Inver Park in September and The BetMcLean Oval in November.
Glentoran, however, lifted the County Antrim Shield after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Inver Reds at Seaview in January.
The most recent league meeting was a thrilling 2-2 draw at The BetMcLean Oval in March that underlines just how little separates these sides and how fine the margins will be once again this weekend.
Declan said: “Larne are a top side and they’ll back themselves to get over the line. They’re hard to beat, well-organised and clinical when it counts. But so are we and we’ve shown we can go toe-to-toe with anyone in this league.
“We respect Larne, but we don’t fear them. It’s set up to be a really intriguing contest both with something massive to play for. We know we’ll need to be at our best, but we’re heading to Inver Park fully focused on getting the result we need and making sure this club is back in Europe where it belongs.
“And we’ll need our supporters with us every step of the way. The away end is sold out and we know how much of a lift they give this team. We want to give them something to shout about, and we’ll be giving everything to make that happen.
The away end for Glentoran supporters is now completely sold out. No additional away tickets will be made available to Glentoran fans.