Declan Devine says there was a bit of psychology behind his decision to take his players over to the Glentoran fans ahead of their penalty shootout against Larne. After being pegged back by Andy Ryan's late penalty the Glens were faced with the prospect of penalties to win the Co Antrim Shield.

Devine felt his players were "out on their feet" mentally and physically after parity was restored on the night once more despite Charlie Lindsay's spectacular opener. The Invermen had the upperhand in the closing stages with Andrew Mills keeping his side in the game with a superb late save to deny Joe Thomson what would have been the winner.

In a bid to re-energise his players ahead of the shootout Devine took them over in front of the vociferous support ahead off the spot kicks and it worked a treat as Glentoran prevailed to end their five-year trophy drought.

"I felt we were out on our feet," said Devine. "I thought mentally we had nearly fallen away. I knew that we needed a bit of energy from a crowd just to get us over that line in penalties.

"We wanted to give the players a real desire because if the fans were going to celebrate like that and give us that noise and backing when we were only going to penalties, then the players had to imagine what it would be like if we went on to lift the trophy.

READ MORE: Glentoran 'only getting started' declares Declan Devine as Co Antrim Shield win ends trophy drought

"It was just a psychological thing to try and give the players another few percent. I was delighted with the standard of the penalties and obviously Millsy made a great save.

"We were very good on the night and obviously we've gone to really difficult venues and come back from behind. Last week we found ourselves at 2-2 after being 2-0 up, but this team keeps going and digging in.

"We had a couple of legends in at the start our season before a ball was kicked and they told us and no matter what the Glentoran fans will stay with you if you're giving everything for the shirt, and that's one of our hardcore values that we give everything when we're on the pitch. You can see that about this team, they've got a bit of b***s about them."

Devine also revealed he had no qualms in sticking with his number two 'keeper Andrew Mills after his run in nets in the previous rounds.

"Millsy has played every game in the Shield and I wasn't tempted to change it," said the Glentoran boss. "We have two outstanding goalkeepers and we're in two finals, Dan will play in the next one if he's fit.

"Millsy deserved to play, he's been outstanding for us. I trust everybody and there's a lot of trust at the club at the minute and that's something I think we can start with.

"I trust the players, the staff and the owner and if we continue that then we can have more nights like this."

Join Belfast Live’s new Irish League WhatsApp group. Click this link to receive the latest Irish League headlines and breaking news direct to your phone. We also treat our members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our group, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice