Former Glentoran midfielder Shane McCabe insists it’s a “massive week” for The Oval outfit as they look to keep their Premiership title bid on track alongside lifting silverware.

Declan Devine’s men are coming off an Irish Cup quarter-final defeat to Larne – the Inver Reds won through on penalties to set up a last-four tie against Coleraine.

McCabe was part of the last Glens squad to celebrate Gibson Cup glory in 2008/09 and the current crop have roared back into the title picture, sitting five points adrift of Larne with one match in hand – they travel to Bangor on Tuesday night.

Their full focus will then be on a crunch BetMcLean Cup final date with ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield – Glentoran haven’t won the competition since the 2009/10 campaign, losing out in last season’s showpiece decider to Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

placeholder image — Cammy Palmer celebrates scoring for Glentoran against Larne. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

The season could yet still be full of promise for Devine’s side with two trophies and European football still up for grabs – and McCabe feels the importance of the next seven days can’t be overstated.

"I think it's a big week now for Glentoran,” said McCabe on BBC Sportsound. “It's a massive win mentally for Larne and now it's a big week for Glentoran.

"If Glentoran are bruised by that in any way and don't pick up three points on Tuesday night, it's going to be really tough to get themselves up for a huge cup final next weekend.

"This week is a massive, massive week for Glentoran - it could be really positive or really negative."

There could be a thrilling finish to the Premiership season with eight points currently separating leaders Larne and fourth-placed Linfield.

All of the full-time teams will meet once again in the split, while Coleraine will make a trip to rivals Glentoran on March 21.

Former Glens defender Paul Leeman, who won four league titles with the East Belfast club, feels his old club have put themselves in contention.

"I do think (the title race will go to the wire),” he said. “Glentoran have put themselves in the mix.

"Larne looked like they had it wrapped up four or five weeks ago, but credit to Glentoran for bringing themselves back into it.

"They have a big game against Bangor on Tuesday and they have to win, then their focus will be on the cup final. We're in for a really interesting time after the split and there will be a lot of twists and turns.

"Glentoran always get it tough at Bangor but they have to go there and bounce back from the (Larne) defeat. Next weekend they've a massive cup final so it's all to play for."