Jordan Jenkins was delighted to score twice as Glentoran secured their place in the County Antrim Shield quarter-finals with a 3–1 victory over Linfield.

Jenkins struck twice inside the opening four minutes at The BetMcLean Oval before Cal Weatherup’s second-half goal completed an impressive Big Two victory.

The forward was pleased to make a decisive contribution after illness had disrupted his preparations for the tie.

“I was glad to be back out on the pitch,” he said. “I hadn’t been well over the last week or so. I had a bug and had been in bed, so it was great to get the two goals and help us into the next round.”

Jenkins gave Glentoran the perfect start inside two minutes, finishing confidently after being played through on goal.

His second followed moments later when Daniel Larmour headed the ball back across goal and Jenkins applied the finishing touch from close range.

“For the first one, I didn’t think he was going to send me because I thought he was going to shoot,” Jenkins explained. “But he played me in and, thankfully, I got the goal.

“The second was a good header back across goal from Daniel and I just glanced it in.

“I probably could have had more. When you score that early, you think you might get a few more opportunities, but it wasn’t to be.

“The important thing was that we got through to the next round.”

The victory also offered another indication of the young talent emerging at Glentoran.

Ciaran Rogers-Duffy impressed after being handed a start, while Weatherup and Jack Faloona were introduced during the second half.

Jenkins believes the performances of the Club’s younger players demonstrated why they have earned the trust of manager Declan Devine.

“We have a lot of injuries at the minute, so it gave some of the younger lads an opportunity,” he said.

“For some of them, it might have been their first game or one of their first few games, but they all did what they needed to do.

“They are all good players and Deggie trusts them. Cal came on and scored, Jack got onto the pitch and Ciaran Duffy was brilliant.

“It gives them the chance to show what they can do and prove themselves.”

Weatherup’s late finish restored Glentoran’s two-goal cushion and ensured the Glens progressed comfortably to the last eight.

“I’m sure Cal was buzzing in the dressing room,” Jenkins added. “To score against Linfield makes it a big goal for him, so he’ll be delighted.”

Attention now turns to Friday evening and a return to BoyleSports Premiership action against Larne at Inver Park.

The fixture will be Glentoran’s third game in six days, and Jenkins stressed the importance of recovering quickly ahead of another significant challenge.

“We need to go again on Friday,” he said. “Three games in six days isn’t ideal, but you have to come in, recover and get ready.

“Friday night will be another tough game. Larne are coming off the back of Europe, so we need to prepare ourselves properly.”