Cameron Palmer says Glentoran must seize the moment when they face Larne in their decisive Sports Direcrt Premiership clash at the BetMcLean Oval on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Three points separate the Glens from the league leaders going into the mouth-watering meeting in what is the penultimate fixture of the regular season.

Palmer knows the east Belfast men have to target taking all-three points against Gary Haveron’s side to set up a blockbuster finale to decide on the destination of the Gibson Cup.

“What a game it is set to be, and we know what we have to do and what we will be aiming to do,” said Palmer.

“We have to seize this moment, especially as we are at home. This is such a fantastic opportunity for us to go and put ourselves in a great position going into that final game of the season.

“We have put ourselves in contention thanks to our performances so far this season, now we have two massive games left and we are determined to make the most of the position we have put ourselves in.

“There’s no point working hard all season and not finishing the job now. It’s going to be tough as we obviously have Larne and then Coleraine to finish the season, but these are the games you want to be involved in.

“We have the opportunity to make this a season to remember for years to come. You never know when these opportunities will come along so you have to make the most of them when you do and that’s what we are determined to do.

“There’s a great sense of belief within the squad, which has been drilled into us all season, and we have confidence in our own ability that we can go on and achieve what we want to.

“Now is the time for us to step up once more and do our talking out on the pitch.”

Friday night’s game brings the curtain down on Glentoran’s home fixtures and Palmer wants to see the BetMcLean Oval rocking with a sell-out crowd expected to bring the noise and get behind the home side once more.

The midfielder wants to repay the fans with a performance and result.

“The fans have been immense for us so far this season, when we have needed them, they have been there for us,” said the 25-year-old.

“There have been so many games already this season when they have come out in their numbers and helped get us over the line.

“We need that again on Friday night and the fans have such a big role to play. If the Oval is rocking with the noise of our fans, it can only help push us on.

“We want the supporters to make their presence felt and be the 12th man. We know we have a role to play in that too because if we play well, we will feed off each other.

“As players we want to be able to give the fans all the success they deserve as they have been so loyal to us.

“It’s obviously been a while since Glentoran were league champions, too long, but we know we will have an opportunity to end that run if we can get the result on Friday night.

“All our focus needs to be on the Larne game and we can see where it takes us after that.

“We know that if we are to have any chance of bringing the Gibson Cup back to the club then we have to win the game.

“We certainly won’t be looking any further than that because Friday night’s game is our most important game of the season so far and all our focus has to be on that and what we need to do.

“I know the fans are fully aware of what we are trying to do and are fully appreciative of our efforts so far this season.

“Now we both have to go again in our final home game and make sure we do everything we set out to achieve.”

It’s already been an incredible season for Palmer after he was nominated for the NIFL Player of the Year, which was won by team-mate Pat Hoban on Saturday evening.

Palmer was crowned the 2025/26 Glentoran Player of the Year after securing 71% of the supporters’ vote, finishing ahead of Pat Hoban and MJ Kamson-Kamara in the fan-organised award by the Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters’ Club.

“Yeah, it’s been a good few weeks personally and for the club,” said Palmer.

“As a player, you’re not really thinking about personal honours, especially as all our focus has been on keeping up the pressure on Larne at the top of the table.

“But when I got word, I was nominated for the NIFL award it was a pleasant surprise. I was pleased to see Pat win it though as he has been phenomenal for us all year.

“It’s obviously his debut season at the club and to score 30 goals is incredible, but that just shows the quality of the man.

“For me to get the nod over him and MJ, who has also been immense for us all season after coming in this summer, means a lot especially as it was a fans’ vote.

“I feel I have played well this season, but that comes from enjoying your football and your surroundings. I think that is the case for all the squad, we are all enjoying life at Glentoran and that is evident in our performances.

“Now we want to end this season on a high for everyone and that all starts on Friday night.”

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