David Fisher is determined to build on his recent game changing cameos as Glentoran prepare to face Crusaders once again, this time in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night at The BetMcLean Oval (Kick off: 7.45 pm).

The 23-year-old forward has made decisive contributions in each of his last three appearances, coming off the bench to set up Pat Hoban’s winner against Ballymena, scoring the stoppage-time winner at Seaview, and playing a role in the build-up to Hoban’s decisive goal against Portadown.

Now back to full fitness after an injury-interrupted start to the campaign, Fisher is hoping those performances have done enough to put him in contention for a starting place as the Glens look to progress in a competition they last won in 2010.

David Fisher said: “It has been a bit of a stop-start season for me with injuries, so to be back on the pitch and contributing again feels brilliant.

“I know how tough it’s going to be to break into the starting line-up and I have to bide my time. Pat [Hoban] and Jordan [Jenkins] have struck up a great understanding and both are top forwards, while lads like Dylan [Connolly], Christie [Pattisson] and Nathaniel [Ferris] all bring real quality in attacking areas. But I back myself to offer something different. When I get my chance, it’s up to me to take it and make an impact.”

“Against Ballymena I came off the bench and set up Pat’s winner, then against Crusaders I managed to make an impact with the goal and on Friday against Portadown I was involved in the build-up to the deciding strike. That is what I have to keep doing, make an impression whenever I am given minutes and keep pushing for more game time.

“The squad is packed with quality and the competition for places is fierce, but that is what you want. Declan has assembled a group full of outstanding players and good people, a mix of experience and young talent and there is a real hunger to make this a successful season for the club and the supporters.”

The Londoner admits the BetMcLean Cup holds added significance this season after the heartbreak of last year’s final defeat to Cliftonville, when Glentoran were edged out after extra time at a packed National Stadium.

Fisher added: “Last season’s final was one of the biggest games I have ever played in and it was an incredible occasion, but a really tough one to take. Losing in extra time in front of a sold-out crowd at the National Stadium was heartbreaking and it makes all of us even hungrier to get back there and go one better this year.

“The BetMcLean Cup is a massive competition and everyone in the squad wants to be part of it. We’ve started the season strongly, but we know nothing is won in November. It’s about maintaining high standards and focusing on one game at a time.

“Crusaders will be another big test for us. They are a top side and will feel they could have taken something from our last meeting, so we need to make sure we are ready from the first whistle.

“The atmosphere at The BetMcLean Oval is always outstanding and playing here is always special. We want to give the supporters another performance to be proud of and make sure our name is in the hat for the next round.”

Fisher’s early-season progress was disrupted by a series of setbacks that halted his momentum just as the new campaign began. Forced off only 20 minutes into the opening-day fixture at Portadown, he later endured another spell on the sidelines in September. The stop-start nature of his campaign has tested the former Wimbledon forward’s patience, but he is determined to return stronger and make an impact.

David said: “It’s been a really tough start to the season. When you’re desperate to play and injuries keep stopping you, it can be hard to take. The last few months have been stop-start and mentally that’s probably been the biggest challenge. Watching from the sidelines while the lads were flying was difficult, but it also gave me motivation to come back stronger.

“I feel good now, I’m enjoying my football and I just want to keep contributing, whether that’s from the start or off the bench. Those contributions against Crusaders and Portadown are exactly what you work for when you’re coming back from injury and hopefully they’re the start of a good run for me.”

Tuesday’s tie will be the third meeting between the sides this season, with both previous clashes packed with intensity and quality. The Glens claimed a 2–0 win at Seaview in August and followed up with a dramatic 3–2 comeback at the same venue last month, sealed by Ryan Cooney and David Fisher in stoppage time. Fisher expects another fiercely contested encounter against a youthful Crusaders side brimming with energy.

Fisher concluded: “Crusaders gave us a really tough game the other week and will probably feel they could have taken something from it. They’ve got a lot of young, hungry players who play with real energy and are probably not getting the results their performances deserve so far this season. They’ve also got a striker who knows how to find the net, so we can’t afford to switch off at any stage.

“They’ll be looking to kick-start their campaign with a good run in this competition and we know we’ll need to match that intensity from the first whistle. We’ve got home advantage this time and the fans have been brilliant all season. We want to give them a big performance to get behind. The focus is on starting well, playing with energy, taking our chances and making sure we book our place in the next round.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s BetMcLean Round Two fixture against Crusaders, match tickets are available to purchase at: www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-home-fans