Jordan Jenkins opens up on confidence blip as he looks to build on goal scoring return

Jordan Jenkins is hoping his performance in the Co Antrim Shield semi-final win over Ballymena United can help him nail down a regular starting spot for Glentoran.

The 24-year-old admitted his confidence has taken a bit of a hit of late after being left out of the starting line-up. But he did his cause no harm at all against the Sky Blues as he bagged the crucial second goal after Declan Devine handed him a start.

"If I'm not starting I need to try and bust myself to get into the team and work as hard as I can," said Jenkins. "Unfortunately I hadn't started for about nine games but I had the chance against Ballymena and I just wanted to go out and prove myself and prove to the gaffer that I can score goals when given the chance. Hopefully I can continue it on.

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"I have to give him a headache and do what I can do by scoring goals. My confidence was a bit low because I hadn't been playing and you're wondering when you're going to get your next chance. Thankfully Tuesday night was that time and I got my goal."

Jenkins is hoping he has done enough to keep place for the visit of Portadown on Saturday afternoon. The striker spent half a season on loan at Shamrock Park under Niall Currie two years ago and he is well aware of the quality they possess.

"I'm good friends with Niall and he's done well with Portadown," he said. "He obviously had a plan when he took over.

"I played for him when they got relegated and I always said that they would be straight back up again as they were too good a team and Niall's a good manager.

"They've obviously signed well again this season and they've got some big results already drawing with Linfield and beating Larne. So they are a good team but we just need to worry about ourselves and look to keep our form going on Saturday."

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