Glentoran boss Declan Devine admits Premiership champions Larne are Irish League 'benchmark'
Glentoran manager Declan Devine believes tonight’s opponents Larne have set the “benchmark” for Irish League clubs but is relishing the opportunity to challenge the reigning champions in their own backyard, where victory would help move the East Belfast outfit top of the Premiership table.
Since being taken over by Kenny Bruce in 2017, the Inver Reds have transformed into an Irish League powerhouse, going from the Championship to UEFA Conference League while winning two Premiership titles and four Co Antrim Shields along the way.
Larne are not only impressing on the pitch after creating history, but also thriving off it and while Tiernan Lynch’s side have struggled in the early stages of their Gibson Cup hat-trick bid, winning only one of four league matches at the start of the new season, Devine is full of praise for the recent success the Inver Park outfit have achieved.
"They've recruited extremely well, have so many quality players and I watched all their games in Europe and thought they were outstanding in how they set-up and the way they attacked teams,” he said. "Larne are back-to-back champions for a reason and when you go into their backyard it's a huge game and there'll be moments in the game where we've to rectify the mistakes we've made in the three games that we've lost and also replicate the things we've done well.
"Tiernan and his club and players are the benchmark in Irish League football at the minute and we look forward to going toe-to-toe with them.
"The bottom line is they've a good manager, good structure to the club, good recruitment policy, have good Irish League players and have then went and strengthened that.
"If you look at the quality they have up front too you've to make sure you're at your best to keep those players quiet.
"The way they run the club is something you have to give them credit for, on and off the pitch, and they're outstanding in the style of play they want to play with.
"Don't get caught up in all the games they've to play, with the squad they have, if you finish above Larne you'll certainly have an opportunity of bringing success."