This Saturday, Glentoran legend Tim McCann makes his first return to The Oval since being appointed as manager of Lisburn Distillery in the summer. McCann who had two playing spells at the Oval made 281 appearances for the club and went on to be a member of the coaching staff after his retirement. For the last couple of seasons McCann was assistant manager to Scott Young before getting his break this summer in his first managerial role. Always a fan favourite, Tim will undoubtedly receive a warm reception on his return to his former home.
For Glentoran, Colin Nixon may feature having taken part in the friendly against Bangor during the week. Stuart Elliott it is understood will still not feature however he is getting closer to making his first appearance since rejoining the club in August. After Mark Clarke's red card in last Saturday's home draw with Coleraine he will miss the game through suspension and it is probable that David Howland or Stephen McAlorum will take his place. Calum Birney is set to miss out again having picked up an injury in Dungannon two weeks ago.
Our visitors Lisburn Distillery haven't started the season quite as Tim McCann would like as they currently sit bottom of the Danske Bank Premiership. With just one win to their name this season, Distillery have just 3 points alongside Donegal Celtic but with a worse goal difference. As well as Tim McCann returning to the Oval, his assistant in the dugout with also be a familiar face in Gary Smyth and Michael Halliday could feature upfront as well having signed from Crusaders in the summer.
Despite the Glens being made overwhelming favourites for tomorrow's game, having failed to beat the Whites on both occasions at The Oval last year, manager Eddie Patterson will know only too well that there's no such thing as an easy game.