Glentoran goalkeeper Andrew Mills has challenged his teammates to respond in style as the Glens look to get back to winning ways when they welcome Carrick Rangers to The BetMcLean Oval in the Sports Direct Premiership (Kick-off: 7.45pm).

Declan Devine’s side head into the fixture determined to bounce back following a disappointing 3–1 defeat away to Glenavon last weekend, only their second league loss of the campaign.

Despite controlling large spells of the contest and carving out several clear-cut chances, the Glens were undone by a first-half brace from David McDaid and a second-half strike from Paul McGovern, with Ryan Cooney’s late long-range goal offering brief hope in the closing stages.

The result leaves Glentoran sitting third in the Sports Direct Premiership table, four points behind leaders Coleraine but with two games in hand.

After a patient spell on the sidelines last season behind Dan Gyollai, Mills has seized his opportunity this term and impressed with a series of commanding performances.

The 31-year-old has repaid the trust of Declan Devine and his coaching staff with displays that have been a key feature of Glentoran’s strong start to the campaign.

Mills says he’s relishing his current run in the side but insists his focus remains on maintaining standards and helping the team respond in the right way on Friday night.

Andrew Mills said: “Last week was a huge disappointment and we know we have to put it right. We let ourselves down, we let the manager and his staff down, but most importantly we let the fans down who travelled in their numbers to Mourneview Park.

“It was one of those games that was decided by fine margins and individual mistakes, myself included. Giving away the penalty before half time gave us a mountain to climb, but we have all taken responsibility for it and the focus now is on responding properly.

“On a personal level, I am really enjoying my football at the minute. After having to be patient last season, it has been great to get a consistent run of games and I have tried to make the most of that opportunity.

“Declan, Paddy, Tim and Elliott have shown real trust in me and they are pushing me every day to help me take my game to another level. I know I still have a lot to improve on, but I am determined to keep progressing and help the team get back on track.”

The Liverpool born shot stopper also spoke glowingly about Glentoran legend Elliott Morris, crediting the former Glens captain for the influence he has had on his development both on and off the pitch.

Mills says working daily alongside one of the club’s most decorated figures has been invaluable in helping him refine both the technical and mental sides of his game.

Mills said: “Elliott has been massive for me. He is such a big presence around the place, not just because of everything he has achieved for the club but because of the standards he sets every single day.

“The detail and intensity he brings to every session are incredible. He is constantly pushing us to improve the finer points, whether it is footwork, positioning, decision making or concentration, all the small habits that make a real difference at this level.

“You can feel his passion for helping players get better here at Glentoran. He has lived it, breathed it and won everything there is to win here. If I could go on to achieve even a fraction of what Elliott did at this club, I would consider that an outstanding career at this club.

“Having someone like Elliott working with you every day can only make you better and it helps that Declan was also an Irish Cup-winning goalkeeper here. I’ve learned so much from both of them already and I’m still learning all the time.” 

Mills also welcomed the arrival of former Everton and England youth international Billy Crellin, who joined Glentoran at the end of October.

The 25-year-old brings impressive pedigree to East Belfast, having made more than 50 appearances in the English Football League and represented his country at every level from Under-17 to Under-20.

Mills says Crellin’s introduction has added further quality and competition to the Glens’ goalkeeping department, while underlining the strong standards that run throughout Declan Devine’s squad.

Andrew added: “Billy has come in and really impressed. He has a great background from his time in England and you can see that straight away in the way he trains and carries himself. He has fitted in brilliantly and his standards have been excellent from day one.

“The competition between us is exactly what you want as a goalkeeper. It is healthy, it is intense and it drives both of us to be better every single day. I am determined to keep my place in the team and Billy knows he has his work cut out to take it and I have no doubt he would say the same if the situation was the other way around.

“It is the same right across the squad. Everyone is competing for their place and after a result like last week we all know how important it is to bounce back quickly. If you are not performing, there is always someone ready to step in.”

 Turning his attention to Friday night’s opponents, Mills knows that Carrick Rangers will provide another stern test for the Glens.

The two clubs have already met twice this season with Carrick earning a draw at The BetMcLean Oval in August before knocking Glentoran out of the County Antrim Senior Shield on penalties after a 2–2 draw at Taylor’s Avenue.

It means Glentoran are yet to record a victory over Carrick this season, a statistic Mills and his teammates are eager to change.

Mills concluded: “Carrick are always a difficult side to play against. They are well organised, disciplined and defend deep, but they also have players who can hurt you. We know it is going to be a tough game, but we have had a really good week of training and everyone is focused on getting the win and adding another three points on the board.

“We have not managed to beat Carrick this season, so there is extra motivation to put that right on Friday night. They have made it very hard for us in both games so far, but we know what we are capable of when we play to our strengths.

“We have already shown this season that we can respond well to setbacks and Friday is another chance to do that. We want to get back to winning ways, perform to our standards and give our supporters a performance they can be proud of.”

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