Cameron Palmer says Glentoran must use Tuesday night’s dramatic BetMcLean Cup Quarter-Final victory as the catalyst to reignite their league form as the Glens prepare to face Cliftonville at The BetMcLean Oval on Saturday afternoon (Kick-off: 3pm).

The 25-year-old midfielder has been one of Glentoran’s most consistent and reliable performers this season, making 19 appearances in all competitions, 18 starts and one substitute appearance, the joint-most in the squad alongside James Singleton.

Operating at the heart of the Glens’ midfield, Palmer’s tough tackling, assured ball retention, intelligent distribution and strong tactical awareness have made him an ever-present figure in Declan Devine’s side.

That importance was highlighted on Tuesday night, as Palmer played all 120 minutes of a breathless BetMcLean Cup tie before confidently converting his penalty in a tense 5–4 shootout win that sent the Glens into the Semi-Finals.

Now, as Cliftonville return to The BetMcLean Oval for league action, Palmer is calling for the Glens to produce a performance that matches the quality and character shown in midweek.

Cameron Palmer said: “Tuesday night was right up there with our best performance of the season, probably alongside our away performance at Coleraine earlier in the campaign. From the first whistle we were brave, we played with real purpose and some of the football we produced from back to front was excellent.

“But what pleased me most was the character we showed when we went behind in extra-time. Lesser teams fold in that moment, but we didn’t. We dug in, kept believing and got the reward our overall performance deserved.

“Those recent league results against Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts hurt us, and even the draw with Bangor on Friday was difficult to take. We know that is not the standard expected at this club. I felt that Tuesday night’s performance was a real step in the right direction and a reminder of what we are about as a team.

“There’s a real never-say-die attitude in this squad, a willingness to fight for each other and for the supporters and that has to be the benchmark going forward. That level of intensity, quality and togetherness must be the minimum if we want to achieve what we’re capable of this season.”

While still searching for his first goal contribution of the campaign, Palmer’s influence has been undeniable. Much of his work falls into what players often call “the dirty work” in terms of pressing, covering and recycling of possession that rarely attracts headlines.

It is a role that suits his reserved nature and team-first mentality, yet Palmer is clear that he does not want to be defined solely by that side of his game. He takes pride in doing the hard yards but equally believes that every player has a responsibility to contribute more in the final third.

Cameron said: “I am comfortable doing the work that people do not always see, whether that is winning duels, keeping possession, breaking things up or making sure we stay organised. I take real pride in that side of the game and I am happy to take on that responsibility, but I am not content with just being solid.

“Everyone in the team has a responsibility to contribute in goals and assists and I want to add more of that to my game as well. My job is to help the team function properly and do the role the manager trusts me with, but I also want to make an impact in the final third when the opportunities come.”

“To be honest, I feel like I am playing some of the best football of my Glentoran career right now. I feel confident, I feel fit and I feel like I am contributing in the way the team needs me to. Of course, I would love to increase my output with goals and assists, but my main focus is working hard, doing my job in midfield and giving the lads ahead of me the platform to go and win matches.”

Reflecting on the recent dip in league results, Palmer admits the squad has been frustrated but insists there has been no loss of belief or direction within the group.

He speaks highly of the guidance, intensity and clarity coming from Declan Devine and his coaching staff, who continue to drive standards on and off the pitch, as well as the influence of senior players who ensure expectations remain high.

With a long season still ahead and plenty of football to be played, Palmer says the focus now is on using Tuesday night’s cup progression as a platform to get back to winning ways in the league, starting with Saturday’s test against Cliftonville.

Palmer added: “In a long season you’re always going to face challenges, and we’ve had our difficult spell, but there’s been no drop in belief or trust in what we’re doing. The manager and staff have been outstanding with us. Declan drives the standards every day in terms of his detail, his honesty and his confidence in the group are massive. The senior players play a huge role too as they push everyone on a daily basis to maintain the levels required to play for this club.

“Tuesday night’s performance showed exactly what we can produce when we are aggressive, brave and on the front foot. That has to become our starting point now. If we can add goals from across the team and keep that same mentality, we can take that energy into the league and start building momentum again. Saturday is another big test, but if we match the intensity and quality we showed in midweek, we give ourselves every chance of getting back to winning ways in the league.”

Tuesday night’s Quarter Final against Cliftonville was a demanding contest that went the full distance, with 120 minutes of high-intensity football followed by a penalty shootout. With both sides now facing a quick turnaround, attention immediately shifts to Saturday’s league fixture at The BetMcLean Oval.

It will be the first league meeting of the season between the clubs, after the original encounter was postponed due to Storm Amy. Cliftonville have enjoyed the advantage in recent matchups, but following Tuesday night’s Semi Final progression, Palmer believes Glentoran must approach the game with conviction and a clear understanding of the standards required.

Cameron concluded: “Cliftonville are a very good side and we have total respect for their quality, but Tuesday night for us was more about the performance than the result. Yes, it went to penalties, but across the 120 minutes we showed real intensity, bravery and a never-say-die attitude. If we reach that level again, we back ourselves against anyone. The challenge now is to carry that into the league, because nobody in this division hands you three points. You have to earn every single one of them.

“December is a big month for us in terms of fixtures, but our only focus is what is directly in front of us and that is Cliftonville on Saturday. The supporters were unbelievable on Tuesday night. They drove us on right to the end and we want to give them something to really get behind again this weekend.”

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