Jordan Stewart is loving life back at Glentoran but insists there is plenty more to come from both him and the team as the Glens prepare for Tuesday’s Sports Direct Premiership clash with Glenavon at the BetMcLean Oval (Kick-off: 7.45pm).

The 30-year-old forward produced a standout display in Saturday’s 1–0 win over Bangor, earning a standing ovation on his first competitive home appearance since rejoining the club over the summer.

It came on the back of another hard-working, determined performance on the opening day as the Glens ground out a 1–0 victory away to Portadown, leaving Declan Devine’s side with maximum points from their first two games.

Stewart, who began his senior career with Glentoran before moving to Swindon Town in 2015, says he has been pleased with the early results but is challenging himself and his teammates to continue improving.

Jordan Stewart said: “We’ve made a really positive start with two wins, two clean sheets and six points, but we all know there’s more to come. Personally, I know I can improve on aspects of my first two performances and as a team we’re still not playing at the level we’re capable of.

“Against Bangor we dominated the game but weren’t clinical enough and that’s something we need to improve collectively. The most important thing at this stage is results and we’ve managed to put two good wins on the board. With the quality we have in this squad, the expectation is always to push on and keep improving.

Making his first competitive home appearance at the BetMcLean Oval since rejoining the club in May, Stewart left the pitch to a standing ovation from the Glentoran faithful, a reception that he admits meant a great deal.

Stewart said: “Walking off to a standing ovation was a really proud moment for me. To get that kind of reception on my first home game back is something I’ll never forget. I know I need to keep working hard and I’m determined to let my football do the talking to repay that faith.”

Stewart’s return to the Glens marks a full circle in his career, having burst onto the scene with Glentoran as a teenager, making 84 senior appearances and scoring 27 goals before his move to England.

The former Northern Ireland U19 and U21 international says he has settled back into life at the BetMcLean Oval and believes the current squad has the right blend of depth, professionalism and mentality to be competitive this season.

He points to the experience of established leaders, the hunger brought by new signings and the energy of academy graduates as key factors in creating a dressing room that is driving high standards every day.

Jordan said: “It’s been brilliant to be back. The set-up here is top class and everything is geared towards helping the players perform. Declan and his coaching staff are laser focused in their preparation, the attention to detail is incredible and that gives us real confidence going into every game.

“It’s also a fantastic group of lads. The togetherness is there, but so is the intensity, with everyone pushing each other and working hard to hit the ground running this season and to maintain those standards week after week.

“We know this season will bring challenges and there will be ups and downs along the way, but consistency in both results and performances will be key if we want to achieve our goals.

“I came back to this club to win things and I’m determined to play my part in helping deliver success. That determination is matched by every single member of the dressing room and if we keep building step by step, we’ll give ourselves the best possible chance.”

Tuesday’s opponents Glenavon have endured a difficult start to the campaign with two defeats from their opening fixtures, but Stewart knows the Lurgan side will arrive in East Belfast determined to get their season up and running and says it’s vital the Glens continue their unbeaten start to the season and reward their supporters.

Stewart concluded: “Glenavon will come here determined to get a result and get their season up and running. Every game in this league is a battle and if you’re not at it from the first whistle you get punished. Paddy McLaughlin will have them well organised and set up to play football and they’re a good side with quality players, so we know we’ll need to be at our best.

“For us, it’s about building on our start, continuing to improve as a group and making sure we keep putting points on the board, starting with three more against Glenavon on Tuesday night.

“The support we had against Bangor on Saturday was incredible. To see such a big crowd at the BetMcLean Oval gave all of us a real lift and shows just how big this club really is. It’s up to us now to match that backing with performances on the pitch and give the fans a team they can be proud of every week.”