Glentoran will ask Irish FA to sound out Ravenhill for Irish Cup Semi-Final clash with rivals Linfield

Glentoran want the Irish FA to consider Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill as a neutral ground for the Irish Cup Semi-Final

Glentoran are considering suggesting Ulster Rugby’s Ravenhill stadium as a possible neutral alternative for this month’s Irish Cup Semi-Final against Linfield amid concerns at The Oval that the Irish FA will decree the match must take place at Windsor Park.

The eagerly awaited ‘Big Two’ clash is scheduled for the end of March with the IFA expected to hold talks this week with the PSNI and both clubs about the venue following the weekend draw that saw the Blues and Glens paired together in the last four of the competition.

Normally Irish Cup Semi-Finals are played at neutral grounds but when the Belfast giants met at this stage in 1998, 2000 and 2011, the authorities, with security issues in mind, chose Windsor Park — the home of Linfield — to host the fixture.

There is a feeling at Glentoran if that were to be the case again it would be unfair on them and offer Linfield an advantage for what is a hugely important game.

No neutral Irish League stadium is big enough to accommodate a crucial Big Two derby without leaving thousands of fans disappointed so one option would be to toss a coin to decide if the game is to be played at the Oval or Windsor though sources suggest the IFA would prefer the match to go ahead at the National Stadium which has a greater capacity.

It is believed that has led Glentoran to think of other ideas such as Ravenhill.

It seems a long shot because, first and foremost, Ulster Rugby would have to agree to stage what would be an historic football fixture on their ground, the obvious changing of the goal posts and pitch markings would be required and the IFA and PSNI would have to give it