Glentoran defender feels 'fans are starting to see the best of me'

Having joined the Glens on loan from Lincoln City in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, Kamson-Kamara had to show patience as he waited for his opportunity.

Following injuries to Ciaran Coll and Shane McEleney in recent weeks, the 19-year-old was called upon by Declan Devine and has certainly seized his chance.

Kamson-Kamara has started in Glentoran’s last three matches, including Premiership clashes against Cliftonville and high-flying Larne.

While Devine’s men have now gone five league matches without a victory, the emergence of Kamson-Kamara has been a major positive and he’ll hope to be involved once again when the Glens host leaders Coleraine on Friday evening.

“Coming over from England so late in the transfer window, I knew it was always going to take a bit of time to settle,” he said. “It was a new city, a new league and a new environment for me, away from family and friends, but from day one the club has been outstanding.

“When you come into a club like Glentoran, you understand straight away that nothing is given to you. You have to earn everything.

"Shane, Marcus (Kane), Ciaran and Daniel (Larmour) are top defenders, real professionals and you learn so much just by training alongside them and seeing the standards they set every day.

“Of course there were times when I wanted to play more, and that’s natural, but I understood that I had to take my chances when they came.

"Looking back, I probably tried a bit too hard early on because you want to make an impression straight away.

“When the opportunity came, I just wanted to do my job properly and help the team.

"Results haven’t been great recently, but I think our performances have been solid and we probably haven’t got the points on the board that we deserve.

“I love defending. I enjoy the battles, going up against forwards and making my presence felt in games. Winning your duels and doing the basics right is something I take real pride in.

“I feel like the fans are starting to see the best of me now, but I also know there’s more to come.

"Ultimately it’s a team game, and what matters most is helping the team do well. The only way to keep my place is by giving one hundred per cent every day and doing exactly what the manager and his coaching staff ask of me.”

Glentoran enjoyed a statement 2-1 triumph over Coleraine in September, ending the Bannsiders’ unbeaten run in the process, but haven’t been able to build on that momentum, winning three of nine league matches since.

Having collected only two points from the last 15 available – only Crusaders and Carrick Rangers have fewer in the same period – Kamson-Kamara is determined to get back to winning ways.

“That game at The Showgrounds showed the level the team is capable of when everything clicks,” he added. “I wasn’t involved on the pitch that night, but you could see the standard the lads set to win the game

“Friday night is a different challenge, but those standards don’t change. We know what’s required against a team like Coleraine and it’s about reaching that level again as a group

“We’re desperate to get back to winning ways and give our supporters something to cheer about heading into Christmas.

"We respect Coleraine, but we believe in ourselves, and with a big crowd behind us at The BetMcLean Oval, that energy can really drive us on.”