Johnny Morton

Glentoran star James Singleton has confirmed his season is over after undergoing surgery on a MCL injury sustained earlier this month.

New Glentoran recruit Joe Thomson believes “exciting times” are ahead for the club under Declan Devine and is confident his former Derry City boss can deliver further success at The Oval as they prepare for Friday’s crunch Irish Cup showdown against rivals Linfield.

Loughgall manager Dean Smith admits Saturday’s 2-1 Premiership defeat to Glentoran is “really hard to take” after frustration over the penalty call which Joe Thomson ultimately slammed home to secure three points at Lakeview Park.

Crusaders manager Declan Caddell insists there are “loads of hidden gems out there” which his club can look to recruit with their transfer policy showing signs of promise after the rapid rise of Kieran Offord.

Coleraine head coach Dean Shiels feels the signing of Levi Ives on a multi-year deal will help instil a “winning mentality” at the Bannsiders.

Glentoran legend Barney Bowers understands the difficulty of adjusting to life in the Irish League after spending time across the water and hopes scoring in the club’s Co Antrim Shield final success will give Charlie Lindsay “the confidence to kick on”.

Glentoran owner Ali Pour has thrown his full support behind Declan Devine and “can see us doing a lot of good things together” after winning the Co Antrim Shield while he’s also hinted there could be further arrivals at The Oval this month.

Declan Devine is confident that Glentoran are “only getting started” after securing Co Antrim Shield success by beating Larne in a dramatic penalty shootout and dedicated the club’s first trophy in more than four years to their supporters.

St Mirren have reportedly accepted six-figure bids from both Glentoran and Linfield as the Belfast rivals chase the signature of Scottish striker Kieran Offord.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty admits Northern Ireland international Aaron Donnelly has “been absolutely battered by his team-mates” following his goal celebration – or lack of – after scoring in their 3-3 Scottish Premiership draw against Celtic.