Glentoran defender ruled out for season as Warren Feeney admits it is a ‘massive blow’

James Singleton's season is over due to injury

Glentoran boss Warren Feeney has had to contend with a raft of injury concerns

Glentoran manager Warren Feeney has spoken about the ‘massive blow’ of losing key performer James Singleton to a long-term injury which is set to rule him out for the rest of the campaign.

Defender Singleton has a tendon issue in his hamstring and is the latest Glens player this season to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

While The Oval outfit have been inconsistent in the current campaign, the 28-year-old has been a reliable figure for Feeney playing in a variety of positions and inspiring as a stand-in skipper when required.

Ahead of the Boxing Day derby against Linfield at Windsor Park, it is worth noting that while attacking players Niall McGinn, Shay McCartan and Daire O’Connor rightly received praise for their goals and dynamic displays in the 4-0 home victory over the Blues at the start of December, Singleton excelled at the back.

“Singo (Singleton) has been a big player for us this season and it is a massive blow that we will be missing him for so long,” revealed Feeney.

“Obviously we have had a lot of injury problems from the start of the season and Singo has filled in in different positions playing at right back, left back, centre back and in midfield and he has done brilliantly.

“When fit he is one of the first names on the team sheet and you know you are going to get a good performance from him. He is at least seven out of 10 in every game and having that consistency is vital.

“He is also a big character and great around the place. What you see with him is what you get and he will be a big miss for us going forward.”

As for other injured players at Glentoran, Feeney says that Rhys