The prolific Glentoran striker turns 28 on Monday, an age when most players are deemed to have reached their peak.

Hamilton, however, has already proved his immense class in the Irish League with some blistering performances for both Portadown and Glentoran.

International recognition has also followed, with Nigel Worthington promoting the classy frontman to the Northern Ireland ranks during the last European qualifiers.

But despite another year passing by, Hamilton is far from finished in the green of Glentoran, and insists he is hungry to add to the CIS Cup and County Antrim Shield medals he has so far won at Mersey Street.

“I obviously joined the Glens to win more trophies and medals. When you are at a Big Two club that is expected,” he said.

“I want to look back when I have retired and be able to reflect on a couple of Irish Leagues and Irish Cups. I want to sit down with my children and grandchildren and show them my medals.

“I hope I can help Glentoran achieve the same goals as I have, and that’s winning the league and other silverware along the way.”

Hamilton can boast one Irish League medal when Portadown lifted the Gibson Cup in 2002.

He also won the Irish Cup with the Shamrock Park outfit three years ago in a 5-1 hammering of Larne.

For Hamilton to add to his medal tally he will have to dethrone last season’s treble winners, and the team currently riding high at the top of the JJB Sports Premiership.

“Linfield are still the team to beat. They have won the league for three seasons in a row, and Glentoran haven’t won it since 2005. I’m not saying we are definitely going to win it this year but we are better equipped to have a real crack at it this season,” he added.

“I think we have the squad to compete, and we hope to keep in contention up to Christmas and push on from there. Last season we faltered after the New Year and that ultimately cost us.

“Is there more expectation this year? Maybe. But there is always expectation every time you step out to play for Glentoran. The fans have been disappointed over the last couple of years, so hopefully we can give them something to celebrate in the months to come, and ideally that would involve lifting the title mext year.”

Hamilton expects two “different line-ups” this afternoon to the teams who played in the recent Setanta Sports Cup clash at Windsor Park.

Glentoran eased to a 4-1 victory at the international venue, gifting the Oval fans the Belfast bragging rights for the time being.

Come 4.45pm today the roles could be reversed, but Hamilton is relishing the prospect of locking horns with the old enemy in east belfast.

“There will be a few changes to the Setanta Cup game. Players like Glenn Ferguson and Winkie (William) Murphy didn’t play for the Blues that night, and Michael Gault was only a substitute.