Glentoran star full of praise for 'real leader' after making Irish League impact

Having bided his time for opportunities in a settled Glens side, Kamson-Kamara has now started in each of their last six matches across all competitions and struck in Tuesday’s 2-1 home victory over Portadown.

That result means Declan Devine’s men have won their last three consecutive league matches – a run which also includes triumphs over Coleraine and rivals Linfield – and they’ll look to maintain momentum against Carrick Rangers on Saturday.

Only leaders Larne (one) have conceded fewer league goals than Glentoran (five) since Kamson-Kamara was introduced into the starting line-up and Cooney was full of praise for the 19-year-old.

"MJ has been superb since coming in, he's such a strong player and a real leader,” said Cooney. “He made a superb block in the first half, which really epitomises what he's all about.

"I was delighted to see him grab the goal, not only because it brought us back into the game at a crucial time, but also because he deserved it and he had a couple of chance earlier in the game against Portadown.

"It's important as a team that we all chip in with goals and it's not just left to the forward players. We created some good chances on Tuesday night so I'm glad we managed to take a couple of them to get the win.

"I know the winner came from the penalty spot, but we created the pressure which forced them into the mistake, which is vitally important.

"When you have someone like Pat (Hoban) who is so clinical from the spot, it is such a bonus. He is ice cold in those situations and he stuck it away with no problem at all."

Glentoran sit third ahead of their weekend trip to Taylors Avenue, nine points behind Larne and five adrift of second-placed Coleraine, who have played three more matches at this stage.

Having missed out on European qualification for the past two seasons, returning to the continental stage will be Glentoran’s top priority – and Cooney is determined to deliver for the club’s supporters.

"We're just over halfway through the season and it's all to play for really,” he added. “Obviously, like every team, you would like to have more points, but we have 18 league games left to play and that's a lot of points up for grabs.

"Nothing is decided now, the most important thing is we focus on keeping this run going for as long as possible.

"Every team will drop points over the next few months and it's important that we put ourselves in a position that we can take advantage if and when that happens.

"The mood in the camp is very good and we are determined to make the most of every game we play in.

"The Irish Cup gets underway in the next couple of weeks as well and we want to push on as far as we can in that competition too.

"Our fans have been brilliant all season and have really stepped up when we needed them.

"We want to give them something to cheer about over the next few months. There's a real determination in the squad to kick on and end the season in a positive note.”