Glentoran boss Eddie Patterson will hold a ‘head count’ before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Ballymena United at the Oval.
Patterson’s troops are still feeling the effects of two bruising encounters over the past seven days – an Irish Cup quarter final win over Knockbreda and a shattering Setanta Cup loss at Sligo Rovers.
“We made six or seven changes for the Setanta game because quite a few of the boys picked up ankle damage at Knockbreda,” said Eddie.
“In saying that, we always intended to freshen things up for the Monday cup tie in Dublin. It’s asking a lot for part time players to compete in two games within 48 hours.
“Jay Magee’s injury is the most serious, but it coincides with a two game suspension. Sean Ward didn’t travel down south as he came down with a sickness virus.
“Stephen McAlorum, Mark Clarke and Richard Clarke all sustained various little injuries, so we’ll check them out before the Ballymena game.”
United boss Glenn Ferguson has urged his boys to ‘up their game’ even though their season is all but over, having failed to claim a top six spot.
“We have eight games left and I have told the players what is expected of them,” said Ferguson.
“The next few weeks will tell me a lot about the character we have in the changing room.
“Our hopes of finishing in the top half have all but gone, but our aim is to accumulate a higher points total than last season.
“That would mean we have made some progress on last year.”
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