Daire O’Connor: Glentoran have the firepower to beat any side, including Larne

Daire O’Connor hit a hat-trick last time out

Midfield maestro Daire O’Connor believes Glentoran are a match for any team in the League — and they aim to prove that in Friday night’s showdown with champions Larne at Inver Park.

Warren Feeney’s boys have lost only once since the turn of the year and that was against Larne in the County Antrim Shield Final, so there will be more of a hint of revenge in the air on Friday.

Glentoran approach the game in the best possible shape, having enjoyed their biggest win of the Sports Direct Premiership campaign, hammering home eight goals against ailing Newry City last time out.

But Tiernan Lynch’s team have also been in irresistible form. They’ve lost only one League game so far and, with the finish line in sight, have nudged Linfield off top spot in the table.

The big incentive for Larne is that victory tonight would see them move four points clear of David Healy’s side, which would be a massive advantage with only eight games remaining.

Although the Glens are well out of the title equation, former Ayr United man O’Connor insists the east Belfast men are looking for a big finale to the season.

“This a massive game, they don’t come much bigger,” said the 26-year-old.

“They’ve had the number on us this season; we’ve lost in the Shield Final to Larne and the last time we played them at the Oval.

“But there is always only one goal in it every time. It comes down to fine margins when the teams meet. That’s when it comes down to being clinical, we clearly have the ability to score goals.

“It’s now a matter of doing it on the big stage when it matters. It’s always a tight game, I just hope it swings our way this time — we are due a win against them.”

O’Connor reckons last week’s thumping