Glentoran manager Declan Devine says he’s “really disappointed” their Irish Cup quarter-final clash against Larne is being played on Friday night – 72 hours after a Premiership win over Carrick Rangers.

The Irish League’s top-two will meet at The Oval in what is undoubtedly the standout tie of the round.

Leaders Larne and Glentoran are separated by only five points – the latter holds a match in hand – in the race for Gibson Cup glory which could go down to the wire in a thrilling season finale.

The Inver Reds are coming off a 2-0 weekend win at Ballymena United while the Glens defeated Crusaders 5-1 on Saturday before returning to action in Tuesday’s 1-0 triumph over in-form Carrick.

placeholder image — Glentoran manager Declan Devine. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

Their last-eight encounter has been selected for live coverage in the Friday evening slot on BBC iPlayer before three remaining ties – Limavady United vs Coleraine, Dungannon Swifts vs H&W Welders and Loughgall vs Cliftonville – are played at 3pm on Saturday.

Glens chief Devine has voiced his disappointment at the schedule with his side making a swift return, but insists their full focus will be on the task at hand.

"They’re all big games and we haven’t been able to look too far ahead because they’re coming so quick,” he told the club’s media channel. “It has been play, recover, prepare, play, recover, prepare.

"Our next target now is to make sure we’re as fresh as we possibly can be on Friday night.

"I’m really disappointed that the game is on Friday night because we were the only team left in the Irish Cup playing tonight (Tuesday), to force us to play on Friday is disappointing.

"It is what it is. The one thing you can guarantee is the players we have at the club will be right up for it.”

Glentoran reached the quarter-final stage last season before suffering a shock defeat to Bangor while Larne were eliminated in the fifth round by Limavady.