Declan Devine reckons it can be a case of “ding-dong” merrily on high for Glentoran once the Oval faithful whip up a cauldron of an atmosphere for Linfield this afternoon. While the Blues might be riding high at the top of the Premiership table, their Big Two rivals have consistently put it up to them this season, winning all three encounters between the sides.

And while boss Devine feels those results will have little bearing on today’s sold-out clash, he’s bullish about his troops building on the momentum created by consecutive victories away to Linfield, Crusaders and Cliftonville so far this month.

“It’s going to be a right ding-dong of a game,” said the 51-year-old. “Whatever’s gone on in the last three games against Linfield will be absolutely irrelevant, it’s all about on the day and the bravest and best team will win the game.

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“Our last three games have been away to Windsor, away to Seaview and away to Solitude. To come away with three wins there is testament to the players and the character that they’re showing.

“We still have to strive to be better, we’re nowhere near there yet. We have to put our wins on the back burner really quickly and keep showing the same appetite and hunger to go after the next one.

“But as a new group, they’re really tight together and they’re giving a lot. There’s a real bond building there. The fans are seeing that the players are giving everything of themselves and they’re not afraid.

“When the fans see that the players are working and that there’s a cohesion between both then you give yourself a chance.”

One player the fans have certainly got right behind is goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai, whose outstanding form has seen him collect a hat-trick of Glentoran Supporters’ Player of the Month awards for September, October, and November.

The Hungarian only arrived at the club in the summer but he’s well aware of the significance of the traditional Boxing Day clash.

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Gyollai said: “This is one of the biggest games of the season, not just for us as players but for the supporters who live and breathe this fixture.

“We know how much it means to them and we’re determined to give them something to celebrate. Our fans have been incredible all season, they truly are our 12th man.

“The passion and energy they bring to every game, whether home or away, is unmatched. “You can feel the excitement building. With a sold-out crowd, the atmosphere at the BetMcLean Oval will be electric.

“Linfield are deservedly at the top of the table – they’ve been the most consistent side all season – but we fear no one.

“Beating them three times already this season shows what we’re capable of but Declan has made it clear that those results count for nothing now.

“We know how much this game means to our supporters, and we’re fully focused on delivering the perfect Boxing Day present – a performance and result they can be proud of.”

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