Jordan Jenkins accepts he has to be ready to 'grasp the gauntlet' at Glentoran as he looks to nail down more regular game time.

The 24-year-old came off the bench to score the equaliser in last week's spirited 3-1 comeback win at Seaview.

Jenkins has had to be patient for chances at the Oval, starting the majority of his games this season as a substitute.

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But ahead of Saturday's clash with Cliftonville, the young striker is champing at the bit to get a start, especially with Jay Donnelly now suspended for the trip to North Belfast.

Jenkins - who scored the winner the last time the sides met at the Oval back in August - said: "Scoring for Glentoran is always a proud moment, and getting the winner against Cliftonville earlier this season was a big highlight for me. They’re a strong side, but that game showed what we’re capable of, and we’ll need to bring the same fight and focus to Solitude.

"As a striker, I always want to make an impact on the game by scoring goals. Coming off the bench to score the equaliser against Crusaders was a great example of being ready to step up and make a difference when the opportunity comes.

"Declan (Devine) and the coaching staff have been clear about the importance of being ready and taking your chance in the team. I’ve been working hard in training every day to show I’m prepared, and hopefully, that performance puts me in contention to start against Cliftonville."

Confidence is high in the Glens camp following last week's win against Crusaders. That came after an equally gutsy 1-0 victory over Linfield in the BetMcLean Cup.

The double boost has highlighted the character in Devine's squad this season.

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"The mood in the squad is brilliant right now. Everyone is putting in the work, and you can see the difference it’s making. We’ve got a young squad that’s really starting to gel, and that’s created a sense of belief," Jenkins said.

"The determination to push up the table is clear, and we’re all focused on building on our recent results. We’re building something strong here, and you can feel that positivity growing, not just among the players but also from the supporters.

"After the win over Crusaders, celebrating with the fans was incredible. Their support gives us that extra push when it’s needed most, and we’re determined to keep giving them reasons to cheer.

"Saturday is another chance for us to show what we’re about and deliver a performance our fans can be proud of. A big win would send them into Christmas smiling and buzzing for the Boxing Day clash against Linfield.”

Glentoran are boosted by the return of James Singleton and Frankie Hvid, who are available after suspension. However, Jay Donnelly begins a two-match ban and will be unavailable for Saturday's trip to Solitude and the Boxing Day derby against Linfield.

Looking ahead to Saturday's game against Cliftonville, Jenkins said: "This is a massive game for us. Cliftonville are a quality side, and playing at Solitude is always a tough test, but we know what we’re capable of when we stick to the game plan and play the way we know we can.

"The festive period is packed with big games, and it’s crucial we start this run with a strong performance. A win on Saturday would give us momentum and confidence heading into these important fixtures.

"As a squad, we’re focused on taking it one game at a time, but we know how important this period is for climbing the table and giving our fans plenty to cheer about. Saturday’s game is a massive opportunity to leapfrog a rival, and we’re determined to make the most of it."

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