Jordan Jenkins says anticipation is bubbling in the Glentoran camp ahead of Tuesday night’s mouth-watering clash with league leaders Larne at the BetMcLean Oval (Kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens currently sit nine points behind the Invermen in the Sports Direct Premiership table with the third-placed side having a game in hand on Gary Haveron’s side.

The two teams last met a month ago with Benji Magee’s goal proving the difference on the night, but since then Glentoran have gone on to win four games on the bounce.

The importance of the meeting between the league’s two in-form sides in not lost on Jenkins as Declan Devine’s men look to keep the pressure on the teams above them.

Jordan Jenkins said: “Whenever you play a team in and around you it’s important that you come out of it with a result in some shape or fashion.

 “We obviously find ourselves behind Larne in the table but it’s only January so there’s still plenty of football to be played.

 “However, when you get an opportunity to close the gap on teams you have to do all you can to try and take it.

 “We know it won’t be easy as Larne are a good side, they proved that recently against Coleraine and they are top of the league for a reason.

“We are a good side too and I think we have both won four of our last five games in the league so the form is good.

 “We are coming into the game full of confidence so it is all set up to be an intriguing clash.

“As I say though the most important thing for us is the result, especially as we are at home, we have to do all we can to make sure we come out of it on the right side.”

Jenkins concedes it has been a frustrating spell in front of goal, with his last strike coming in dramatic fashion against Cliftonville as Glentoran booked their place in the BetMcLean Cup semi-finals following a penalty shootout victory at the BetMcLean Oval.

Despite that, the forward remains firmly focused on the bigger picture, stressing the importance of teamwork and contributing in other ways to help the Glens continue their momentum.

Jordan said: “Obviously as a forward you always want to be scoring goals, but the bigger picture is to be making a contribution to the team and getting results.

“We have had a brilliant run of results over the last few weeks, which has helped lift us up the table.

“We have shown that we carry a real goal-threat throughout the team, which is so important as we need everyone to be able to pop with a goal especially when games are tight.

“My role has changed in recent weeks as I’m playing slightly wider with Pat occupying a central role. He has certainly banged in the goals in the last few games, but we all know his quality.

“As a team though we are creating those chances, which is so important. I just have to make sure I keep putting myself in the position to take them when they come along.”

There will be even more competition for those forward roles now as the Glens made an early move in the transfer window bringing in forward Ben Gallagher.

The 23-year-old arrives in east Belfast after a spell with Australian side Mandurah City, but he is no stranger to the Sports Direct Premiership after an impressive spell at Dungannon Swifts before heading Down Under.

The Strabane native will beef up an already imposing attacking line-up with Jenkins happy to see the new recruit come onboard.

Jenkins said: “I think it’s important for every team to strengthen their squad when they get the opportunity to do so, and the boss and his backroom team have always recruited well.

“It’s no different this month with them getting a couple of good bits of business done early with Ben and Jack Malone coming in.

“They are two quality additions who will be big players for us going forward I have no doubt.

“Obviously Ben will be vying for one of the forward roles along with myself and the other strikers, but you have to embrace that.

“A club like Glentoran needs a good squad with plenty of competition for places, it’s healthy. We all know that we have to take our chance when it comes along because there are hungry players on the sidelines waiting for their chance.

“As players we have to try and give the manager a headache by producing on the pitch and to be fair we have done that in recent weeks.”

Glentoran were left kicking their heels in frustration at the weekend as their Irish Cup tie against Strabane Athletic was one of several fifth-round ties to fall foul of the freezing conditions.

And while it was disappointing to have a Saturday without a game Jenkins says it has only further whetted the appetite for Tuesday night.

Jordan concluded: “As a player you don’t like missing any games, but unfortunately it was out of everyone’s control on Saturday.

“When you’re on a run like we are you can’t wait to play the next game, especially when you have prepared all week for it.

“Thankfully we don’t have long to wait until the next one and it’s one that there will be plenty of excitement about.

“Larne obviously had no game at the weekend either so they will be raring to go as well.

“We have to make the most of our home advantage and it’s important that the fans play their part too.

“They have been so important for us all season and I know they will be out in force again on Tuesday night.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Larne, match tickets are available to purchase at:  https://www.glentoran.com/tickets/home-tickets/

Please note that all tickets from the original fixture remain valid.