Glentoran striker Jordan Jenkins says he is determined to keep raising his game as the Glens prepare for Friday night’s Sports Direct Premiership clash away to unbeaten Coleraine at The Showgrounds (kick-off 7.45pm).

The 25-year-old East Belfast forward has begun the season in fine form, contributing four goals in all competitions and supplying the assist for Danny Amos’ opening-day winner at Portadown.

Jenkins struck in successive league victories over Glenavon and Crusaders before adding the second in a 2–0 win at Ballymena United, while also finding the net in the County Antrim Shield win against Ards, a run that has helped Glentoran make an unbeaten start to the season.

He has carried that momentum from last season’s campaign, when he finished as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals and recently committed his future to the club with a new two-year contract.

Jenkins’ goals and all-round play reflect the confidence of a striker carrying momentum from a breakthrough year into the new campaign, while clearly enjoying his football at the BetMcLean Oval.

Jordan Jenkins said: “I feel really happy and at home at Glentoran. This is my club and I love playing here. Signing a new contract was a proud moment for me and my family, but for me it’s about pushing on and never resting on my laurels.

“I’ve carried my form from last year into this season and I’m determined to keep improving. I worked hard in pre-season to sharpen up different parts of my game and I feel that preparation is paying off now.

“I know the challenge is to keep that form going right through the season. I believe I can take the chances that come my way and, if I’m being critical of myself, I probably should have had a few more goals already.”

Jenkins believes his form this season has also been supported by the arrival of Pat Hoban, whose experience and professionalism have already left a strong impression.

The pair have quickly struck up a productive understanding in attack, with Hoban’s guidance both on and off the pitch helping Jenkins refine his movement, decision-making and finishing.

Jordan said: “Pat has been brilliant since the day he walked through the door. He’s a top striker with proven quality and he’s been a massive help to me already. In training and in games he’s constantly talking to me about my runs, how to use my body and what to look for in different situations. Those little details make a big difference and I feel like I’m already benefitting from them.

“He also sets the tone in terms of standards. The way he prepares, the intensity he trains at and the demands he places on himself and others are exactly what you want from someone who has been there and done it. That pushes me to raise my own levels every single day.

“Some people might have thought I’d end up on the bench when Pat signed, but the manager believed we could play together and I think it’s working really well, with plenty of room to improve. I’m learning so much from him and I’m excited about building that partnership so we can both score the goals that bring success to this club.”

Glentoran’s unbeaten start has combined quality with a willingness to grind out results when needed in the opening weeks of the campaign. With new arrivals still settling and competition for places increasing as players return from injury, Jenkins feels there is even more to come from the squad.

Jenkins said: “It’s always great to be unbeaten because it builds confidence and shows we’re moving in the right direction. There have been times when we’ve had to grind results out, but that shows the quality within this squad. Even without hitting top gear, we’ve managed to find ways to win and that’s a real strength.

“The most exciting thing for me is that I don’t think we’ve shown our full potential yet. Some of the new lads are still settling into how the manager wants us to play and also getting used to the demands of playing in a new league, but once everything clicks, I believe we can go up another level. We’ve got a great group here, everyone is pushing each other and pulling in the same direction and we believe we can bring success to this club and its supporters.”

“We have a great mix in the squad now with experienced players who set standards and younger players hungry to prove themselves and everyone is pulling in the same direction. The belief in the dressing room is really strong and we are all focused on bringing success to this club and its supporters.

Friday’s opponents Coleraine have also made an eye-catching start to the Sports Direct Premiership, winning five of their opening six fixtures to sit second in the table.

Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side opened with a victory over Larne, followed by home success against Dungannon Swifts, a win at Glenavon and commanding victories away to Crusaders and Portadown. Their only dropped points so far came in a draw with Cliftonville.

Jenkins says he is expecting a tough test at The Showgrounds, noting that Coleraine’s results speak for themselves and underlining the need for Glentoran to be at their best.

Jordan concluded: “Coleraine have started the season really well and their results show the quality they have right across the pitch. They’ve added good players to an already strong squad, so we know it’s going to be a really tough game at The Showgrounds on Friday night.

“As a group we respect them, but our focus is always on ourselves and making sure we perform to the standards we’ve set. We’ve already shown that we can win games in different ways, whether it’s through real attacking quality or by grinding out results when we’ve needed to, and that gives us confidence going into a match like this.

“We know the fans will turn out in their numbers, as they always do, and it’s up to us to get them behind us from the first whistle. The support we’ve had home and away has been incredible and we want to reward that by delivering a performance that sends them home happy on Friday night.”