Jordan Stewart says Glentoran are determined to book their place in the BetMcLean Cup Semi-Finals and kick-start December with a return to winning ways as the Glens prepare for Tuesday night’s Quarter-Final clash with Cliftonville at The BetMcLean Oval.

The 30-year-old forward has been a bright spot for Glentoran since returning from injury in November, delivering lively performances despite league setbacks against Glenavon, Dungannon Swifts and Friday night’s draw with Bangor.

After missing October through injury, Stewart has quickly rediscovered the sharpness and creativity that made him one of Glentoran’s standout performers in the early weeks of the season, scoring four goals and winning the club’s Player of the Month awards for both August and September.

Now back to full fitness, Stewart is determined to help drive a response as the Glens look to put a disappointing run of league results behind them and move one step closer to silverware.

Jordan Stewart said: ‘I’m really starting to feel like myself again after missing October with injury. The injury came at a terrible time because I felt I was playing well and showing the supporters what I can bring, but I’ve worked hard to get back and I’m determined to put a run of games together and contribute as much as possible.

“Friday night at Bangor showed that we are getting into good areas, but at this level it comes down to fine margins such as the final pass, the final cross and taking your chances. We know our quality in those decisive moments has to be better.

“The last few weeks have not been at the standard expected at this club. The responsibility is on us as players to stand up, be counted and put it right and Tuesday night is the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.”

Stewart’s return from injury has provided a timely spark for the Glens. His creativity was clear once again in Friday night’s draw at Bangor, where he was the most dangerous attacking outlet on the pitch. Now back to full sharpness, the 30-year-old has shown he is willing to take responsibility for driving the team forward at a crucial stage of the season.

Stewart said: “Football seasons are long and every team goes through tough patches, and I’ve experienced that wherever I have played. What matters is how you react. The only way through a run of poor results is to work harder, stay together and trust what you’re doing. We’ve got a strong group here with good characters and everyone is committed to putting things right quickly.

“As one of the attacking players, I know I must help provide that spark in the final third whether that’s creating chances, making something happen or bringing that bit of quality when it matters. We’ve got a big run of tough games coming up in December, but these are exactly the fixtures you want to be involved in as a player. Tuesday night is one of those matches. We know what is at stake, we know the standards expected at this club and we want to show that.”

As Glentoran work to respond from a difficult run of results, Stewart is clear about the standards expected at the club and the responsibility the players carry to put things right.

Enjoying his time back at The BetMcLean Oval, he also credits the leadership of Declan Devine and his coaching staff, emphasising that the work done behind the scenes leaves the players with no excuses as they look to deliver the level of performances demanded at the club.

Jordan added: “At Glentoran, standards matter. The fans expect a team that fights, competes and plays with real intensity and we know we have not given them enough of that in recent weeks. Every one of us in the dressing room is taking responsibility for that. Nobody is feeling sorry for themselves and our focus is on reacting, working harder and delivering the performances this club expects.

“The manager and staff have been first class with me since I came back. Their attention to detail is outstanding and they leave no stone unturned. Declan is honest, approachable and a winner and when standards dip, he lets you know, but he also gives you the belief and the tools to put it right. Paddy, Tim and Elliott all bring something different and they drive the group every single day. That is why there is so much belief in this squad that we can get back on track.”

Tuesday’s Quarter-Final is a repeat of last season’s BetMcLean Cup Final, edged by Cliftonville after extra time in front of a sold-out Clearer Twist National Stadium and the tie now carries the added incentive of a direct route into the European play-off final for the eventual winners.

Cliftonville have won the last three meetings between the sides, including the 2025 BetMcLean Cup Final and the European play-off Semi-Final at The BetMcLean Oval, while this season’s scheduled league fixture was postponed due to Storm Amy.

With Tuesday marking the first meeting of the season between the clubs, Stewart insists Glentoran must approach it with confidence and a real determination to put in a shift worthy of booking a Semi-Final spot.

Stewart concluded: “The BetMcLean Cup is a massive competition and last year’s final showed the level it has reached. I came back to Glentoran to help win trophies and this competition is a big opportunity to take another step toward that. Cup ties often come down to one or two key moments, so you need to be switched on and fully focused. As players, we know these are the nights where you have to stand up and deliver.”

“Cliftonville are a top side with real pedigree and they are on a strong run of form. With players like Joe Gormley and Ryan Curran offering real attacking threat, we fully respect the quality they have. But we are at home and we need to impose ourselves on the game. If we play with the intensity, belief and quality we showed in the first couple of months of the season, then we give ourselves every chance of reaching the Semi-Final.”

For Glentoran fans planning to attend Tuesday’s BetMcLean Quarter-Final fixture against Cliftonville, match tickets are available to purchase at: www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-home-fans