Glentoran captain Marcus Kane says his side must turn the flashes of quality shown across recent fixtures against Cliftonville into a complete 90-minute performance as the Glens prepare for a Sports Direct Premiership trip to Inver Park to face Larne on Friday night.

The club captain has made 14 appearances so far this season, scoring once, and has been a central figure in Declan Devine’s side, which currently sits fourth in the Sports Direct Premiership on 31 points from 16 games.

Kane recently returned to action for the double-header against Cliftonville after missing a run of games through injury, immediately reinstating his leadership, defensive stability and experience within the squad.

The central defender says the recent performances against the Reds have shown the team’s character and quality but insists those levels must now be matched by results as the focus shifts to Larne on Friday night.

Marcus Kane said: “The double-header against Cliftonville has shown what we are capable of in terms of character and quality. To come from 1–0 down in extra time in the cup and then from 2–0 down in the league says a lot about the belief in this squad. We didn’t let our heads drop, we kept pushing and got ourselves back into both games.

“However, we shouldn’t be putting ourselves in those positions to begin with and we can’t be doing that every week. We were well on top in both matches but didn’t take our chances and we were punished for it.

“The challenge now is to start games with the same intensity and bravery we are showing when we are chasing them. If we do that, we give ourselves a far better platform to go and win matches.

“There is a real togetherness in this group and you can see the fight and desire from everyone who has stepped on the pitch in the last few games. We have shown glimpses of the football we are capable of and now it is about producing that for the full 90 minutes and turning performances into wins.”

The captain was particularly encouraged by the quality of Glentoran’s play in both fixtures, highlighting the control, passing and attacking intent shown across the two games, which he believes is a clear sign that Declan Devine’s side is returning towards its early-season form.

Kane added: “Those two Cliftonville games were some of our best football this season. We moved the ball with purpose, created good chances and controlled large periods of both matches, but we did not take our opportunities and that is the difference at this level.

“When you are on top you have to punish teams and be clinical in the moments that matter, because that is what separates winning performances from missed opportunities. 

“The encouraging thing is that the performances are at the level we expect. The patterns of play, the movement, the intensity are all there. Now it is about turning that into goals and getting back to winning football matches.

If we keep producing that standard and add a ruthless edge in the final third right across the team, then we will put ourselves in a much stronger position to get back to winning matches.”

Kane also highlighted the impact of young defender MJ Kamson-Kamara, who has broken into the side in recent weeks following injuries to Shane McEleney and Ciaran Coll. The 19-year-old Lincoln City loanee featured alongside the captain in both matches against Cliftonville and has impressed with his no-nonsense approach to defending.

Marcus said: “MJ has been outstanding over the last couple of games. He is still very young and it has taken him a little bit of time to settle into the side after coming in from Lincoln City towards the end of the transfer window, which is natural, but you can see now that he is really starting to grow into the role.

“He stepped in after the injuries to Shane and Ciaran and he has taken that opportunity brilliantly. His attitude has been first class. He is athletic, he is committed and he defends properly with a real no-nonsense approach that you need in this league.

“I also have to mention James Singleton, because the versatility he has shown has been massive for us. He has played most of this season, and last season as well, in the middle of the park, but he has stepped back in at left-back recently and looked completely comfortable. He just gets on with whatever the team needs and he delivers.”

Turning his attention to Friday night’s trip to Inver Park, Kane acknowledged that Larne are the league’s in-form side, with Gary Haveron’s team unbeaten since early October and boasting both the Premiership’s strongest defence and one of its most dangerous attacks.

The captain believes Glentoran must deliver a disciplined performance from the first whistle and has urged the travelling supporters to turn out in numbers.

Kane concluded: “Larne are in great form and their record this season speaks for itself. They are strong at the back, dangerous going forward and very hard to break down if they get in front, so we know we cannot afford to give them any early encouragement. We need to start well, be aggressive in and out of possession and play with real belief from the first whistle.”

“Our supporters will be massive for us on Friday. When they travel in numbers and get behind us, it gives the whole team a lift. Inver Park is a tough place to go, but we go there without fear and we want to produce a performance our fans can be proud of and one that puts us in the best position to come away with the three points.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Friday night’s Sports Direct Premiership fixture against Larne, match tickets are available to purchase at: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=16462