Shane McCabe has hailed Duncan Ferguson's 'brilliant start' as Glentoran manager, praising the demanding standards the new boss has set. The former Glentoran star said the appointment is a 'fantastic coup' for the club and the entire league.

McCabe was clear about what Ferguson expects. "If you're not going to run and work hard, you're not going to play for him," he said. The ex-midfielder believes the first clear-out at The Oval will target anyone not meeting that basic requirement. "He'll want a bit of class as well, but he seems to be all in in relation to hunger, heart and desire, which isn’t a surprise to anyone that watched him as a player," McCabe added.

Ferguson's debut last week saw Glentoran fight back to draw 1-1 with league leaders Coleraine. Joel Cooper put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute at The Showgrounds, but a late header from Jordan Stewart in the 87th minute secured a valuable point. The result extended Glentoran's unbeaten run to five matches, a sequence that includes three wins and two draws. That form has helped the side to fourth place in the Premiership, with 21 points from 13 games.

Ferguson's impact on the pitch

McCabe credited Ferguson for his effective use of substitutes during the comeback, which saw players like Jarlath O’Rourke and Ross Clarke introduced. He also singled out Jordan Stewart's current form as a positive. The late equaliser against Coleraine means Glentoran now sit 14 points behind the same opponents at the summit, but with a game in hand on some rivals above them. The team has scored 17 goals this season while conceding only 11.

Beyond the touchline, McCabe believes Ferguson's stature is a major boost. "It's a fantastic coup by Glentoran to get someone of his personality and charisma into the league," he stated. He compared the move to Damien Duff's arrival in the League of Ireland, suggesting such high-profile appointments can drive the league forward off the pitch by attracting more interest and investment.

Glentoran's focus now shifts to continuing their solid form. They face Carrick Rangers away this Saturday, November 7th. Carrick currently sit sixth, just five points behind Glentoran, making it a significant match in the battle for top-six positioning. McCabe concluded by saying the excitement is palpable, noting he can't wait to bring his own players to watch a match at The Oval soon.

Read the full report at News Letter