DANSKE BANK PREMIERSHIP: Ronnie McFall wants a top six finish for Glentoran

The Glens know if Ballymena United lose their game against Cliftonville on Tuesday night they will be assured of a place in the top half for the final five games of the season.

“We can only look after ourselves,” said McFall following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Linfield.

“We can’t control what happens elsewhere. It’s important for the club we stay in sixth place. Once the split happens, we have three home games and, from a financial point, it would be a big boost for the club.

“The players also want to be playing against the top sides in the division, rather than against team in the lower reaches, with respect to them. Our supporters have been tremendous and that’s what the players need...they need all the backing they can get.

“By the club’s high standards, they haven’t had much to shout about for the past few seasons, but the fans an stuck with the club, through the bad times.

“I thought we edged the first half against the Blues, but we were forced to dig in after the break because they put us under a bit of pressure. I thought we could have got on the ball a bit more in the second half, but after the week we’ve had and the efforts we have put in, we have to be pleased with a point.

“It’s been a hard week - away to Coleraine, Glenavon and Linfield. I thought we looked a wee bit leggy at times in the second half. But we certainly deserved something out of the game.

“The boys are now playing with a bit of confidence. The system we are playing suits the players. We have stuck at it and we have worked at it.

“I can’t fault them for effort and commitment. I just tell them to leave everything they have got out on the pitch – and they have done that since I took over.”