Jonny Russell aiming to build on fine international form as Glentoran aim to return to winning ways against Glenavon
Glentoran defender Jonny Russell says he is ready to replicate his fine international form as the Glens host Dungannon Swifts at the Oval on Friday night.
Declan Devine’s side return to league action almost a fortnight after their last outing when Glenavon claimed a 3-1 victory at Mourneview Park.
The postponement of last Friday’s home fixture against Carrick Rangers has given the squad valuable time to reset and refocus ahead of the visit of Dungannon, the side who inflicted Glentoran’s first league defeat of the season back in October.
Now back in East Belfast after starting both of Northern Ireland’s U21 European qualifiers this month, Russell returns to the Oval confident and buoyed by his growing stature on the international stage.
The 21-year-old, who has now started the last four Northern Ireland Under 21 fixtures, is determined to help Glentoran get back to winning ways and force his way into Devine’s starting eleven, with competition for places intense in the full-back positions.
“It has been a really important spell for me with Northern Ireland,” said Russell. “I have now got seven caps and starting the games in October and again this month has helped me feel properly part of the Under 21 set-up.
“Playing three of those qualifiers at the BetMcLean Oval was special. To represent your country on your home pitch is something I will never forget.
“I felt I held my own against top players and hearing that Tommy was pleased with my performances has given me a real lift.
“Now I want to kick on for Glentoran. I have had a taste of high-level opposition with the Under 21s and I want to use that experience to push for more minutes here.”
The Larne-born defender acknowledged the disappointment of the Glenavon result and says there is real determination within the squad to deliver a strong response against Dungannon.
“Everyone was hurting after the Glenavon game. We know it was not good enough and we let ourselves down in key moments, but it is done now and we cannot change it.
“Dungannon will not make it easy for us. They showed earlier in the season that they are a dangerous side and we have to be at it from the first whistle.
“The focus is on giving a proper reaction, working for each other and getting back to the standards we set for ourselves.
“We want to put it right for the supporters and for ourselves and we are determined to do that.”