James Singleton: Irish Cup glory gives Glentoran trophy boost we badly need

James Singleton is back after an injury layoff and is aiming for Irish Cup success with Glentoran

Versatile James Singleton admits Glentoran has gone too long without winning a trophy – but he hopes to put that right in the 2023/24 season in the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

The 28-year-old would love to give Glentoran fans a day out in early May by reaching the Final of a tournament the east Belfast club last won back in 2020.

Singleton has sampled the glory of Irish Cup success having paraded the trophy on two occasions in his days with former club Glenavon.

With a Quarter-Final showdown with Championship side Ballyclare Comrades looming at The BetMcLean Oval on Saturday, Singleton believes the time is right to uphold Glentoran’s proud tradition by bringing the trophy home for the 24th time in the club’s history.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win the trophy twice, it’s a great day for the club and the supporters,” he said.

“Glentoran has a proud record in the Irish Cup. Unfortunately, the last time they won, it was restricted because of the Covid pandemic, there was only a handful of fans at the game.

“We are now into 2024, it’s too long for a club like Glentoran to go without silverware.

“It would be great for everyone to get through this round and go on and lift the trophy.

“We’ll certainly not be taking Ballyclare lightly, we’ll be giving them the respect we give any Premiership team.

“They have had some good results against the top teams in the Championship, we are expecting a tough test.

“I’m sure Ballyclare have done their homework on us, and they’ll be coming with a game plan. We’ve had Ballyclare watched as well, we know they have dangerous players. It’s down to us to go and deliver to try and get into the