Curtis Allen believes Irish Cup can keep Glentoran's season alive and kicking

Alan Kernaghan’s men are out of the title race as they sit sixth in the table – 22 points behind leaders Crusaders.

The Irish Cup remains a genuine target, however, with the club hoping to defend the trophy they won last season.

On Tuesday night the Glens entertain Ards in a rearranged fifth round tie, with a home clash with Glenavon awaiting the winners in the next stage.

“Tuesday is a massive game for us,” said Allen.

“We obviously want to do as well as we can in the Premiership, but the Irish Cup is a chance to really keep our season alive.

“The competition has been very good to the club in recent years. We won it last season, so the added incentive is there to try and defend it.

“We’re the holders and that maybe adds a little bit of pressure, but we want to go as far in the competition as we can. It’s knockout football and a one-off game, so it’s essential we’re on our game. We almost have to treat it like a final.”

Allen insists Glentoran will have to be on their guard against Ards tonight.

Niall Currie’s men – who yesterday signed strikers Gary Browne and Carl McCombe as well as winger Jack Uprichard – sit four points clear at the top of Championship 1.

They are also in the final of the JBE League Cup after knocking out Coleraine in the semi-finals.

“We’re under no illusions. They seem to score goals and they have a few good players in their squad,” Allen added.

Also on Tuesday Annagh United and Knockbreda meet in a rearranged fifth round tie at Tandragee Road.

The winners will meet Lurgan Celtic in the next round.