James Douglas says reaching the BetMcLean Cup final has whet the appetite for Glentoran ahead of their Clearer Water Irish Cup sixth round tie against Drumaness Mills on Saturday (Kick-off 3pm).

The Glens extra-time victory over Coleraine in midweek secured their place in the BetMcLean Cup final for the second year in a row.

Jordan Jenkins’ winning goal sealed a date with Linfield at the Clearer Twist National Stadium next month with the significance of the result not lost on Douglas.

James Douglas said: “No team has a right to be in finals but a club like Glentoran needs to be competing for major honours.

“This will be our third final in a year which is pleasing, but we want more and we are definitely looking to progress as deep as we can in the Irish Cup as well.

“Getting to the BetMcLean Cup final again after losing out to Cliftonville in last season’s final gives us the opportunity to go and put that right.

“But it has also whetted the appetite for more success this season. It was a significant result for us on Tuesday night because of that.

“We had to dig deep against a very good Coleraine side. We were under the cosh a bit especially in the second half when they ramped up the pressure.

“It shows where we are at as a team at the minute though, even when we are up against it we will continue to work hard and we got our rewards for it.

“We’re not satisfied with only get to that final though, we wanted more and are prepared to keep producing results and performances to bring more success to this club.”

Douglas burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion endearing himself to the Glentoran fans by scoring the winner to knock Linfield out of the BetMcLean Cup at the last-16 stage.

With more competition for places the 20-year-old has found it tougher to nail down a starting spot in Declan Devine’s side, but Douglas is determined to do all he can to force himself into the manager’s thoughts.

Douglas said: “Last season was brilliant for me personally as I was playing regularly. It’s obviously been tougher this year as more players have come in and there’s more competition for places throughout the squad.

“As a young player that’s something you have to accept, especially at a club like Glentoran where they are constantly looking to strengthen the squad.

“Yes, it has been frustrating, but I also look at it as a great learning process for me as I can take so much from the experienced players around me, which will only help me become a better player.

“The key thing for me is that I train hard and that I am ready to take my opportunity when it comes along so that I can make a contribution to the team.”

Douglas has shown in recent weeks he is prepared to slot in where needed after he was handed starts at right back in the wins over Strabane Athletic and Dungannon Swifts.

The versatile youngsters is happy to fill in wherever the manager needs him to help the team out.

James said: “I’ve had to bide my time, but it was good to start those recent games, especially as we won them.

“I don’t mind where I play as long as I am playing, and it was pleasing that the manager put his faith in me to throw me in.

“I have to repay that faith and I was pleased with how things went against Strabane and Dungannon.

“My objective now is to get more games this season, but I know that will come down to my taking the opportunities that come my way.

“This is a very talented squad with great players in every position so I know it will be challenging, but it also means we have the quality to push on and be very successful and that’s something that excites me to be a part of.”

Douglas will be hoping to be involved in Saturday’s Irish Cup sixth round tie at home to Drumaness Mills after being involved in the previous round against Strabane Atheltic.

The NAFL Premier Division side will be hoping to pull off a major shock at the BetMcLean Oval with Douglas wary of the threat the visitors will pose.

Douglas concluded: “There’s a place in the quarter-final up for grabs so we certainly will not by taking this game lightly.

“They are here on merit and they will be coming to The Oval looking to get a result that’s for sure.

“We will approach this game like we approach every game, we will have our homework done on the opposition and we will have a game plan.

“The manager and the staff will have us well drilled but as players we have to seize this opportunity to make it through to the last-eight.

“We haven’t worked this hard to throw it all away now. We want to progress in this competition to give ourselves another chance of winning some silverware.

“We want the big days out and we want to give the fans games to remember, that’s what football is all about.

“Our supporters have been excellent all season and have helped us get over the line when we needed them.

“On Tuesday night against Coleraine they helped us stand firm when we were under pressure and it didn’t go unnoticed amongst the players and staff.

“We want to be able to repay them by giving them plenty to cheer about over the last three months of the season. Together we can make this a very successful and memorable campaign.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup game against Drumaness Mills, match tickets are available to purchase at:  https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/