Declan Devine hails 'a team effort' after Glentoran chief is named Manager of the Month for December

In the month, the Glens defeated Crusaders, Cliftonville and Portadown in the league. Devine's men also drew with rivals Linfield on Boxing Day and knocked them out of the BetMcLean Cup.

Devine said: "This is obviously testimony to the players and the backroom staff. The manager collects this award, but it's a team effort.

"We enjoyed a good month but it's hard work at times. We had to grind out some of those results. But overall, I feel we have come a long way since the summer.

"It feels like the entire club is pulling in the same direction. When everyone at Glentoran is pulling in the same direction, we've half a chance."

Glentoran also started January by securing victories in the Irish Cup and BetMcLean Cup against H&W Welders and Ballymena United respectively.