Glentoran star highlights threat of in-form striker who can 'produce something out of nothing'

McGonigle, who is on loan at the Roesiders from Coleraine, sits joint-top of the league’s goalscoring charts having struck seven times in just six matches so far this term.

The 30-year-old has scored in each of his last five Premiership outings for Limavady – the impressive run started on September 12 and includes a sublime hat-trick against Bangor.

McGonigle’s arrival has coincided with Limavady’s upswing in form – Paul Owens’ side lost their first three before the ex-Derry City forward joined while they’ve won four of their last five with him in the team.

Glentoran are the latest team tasked with stopping red-hot McGonigle, who was named NIFWA’s Player of the Month for September, and Cooney is well aware of the threat.

“In Jamie McGonigle, they have a player with so much quality who is scoring for fun,” said Cooney. “He is someone who can produce something out of nothing and will be a real threat.

“We have to make sure we keep a close eye on him and cut out the supply line. If we can do that, we will have a platform to go and play our football at the other end of the pitch.”

The Glens are still without a permanent manager following Declan Devine’s exit in mid-September, but that hasn’t stopped Premiership progress – they’ve won three and drawn one of their last four league games under interim boss Paddy McCourt.

They currently sit fourth, 11 points adrift of leaders Coleraine who could open up that advantage further against Larne on Friday night.

Cooney has highlighted the importance of continuing a positive run as they look to make strides up the table – and wants a repeat of an opening day win over Limavady.

“Our results at the start of the season left us playing catch-up,” added Cooney. “But picking up 10 points from our last 12 has helped us climb the table and close the gap on the teams above us.

“Our aim is to keep looking upwards and chip away at that gap, but we can only do that if we keep picking up points.

“If someone above us drops points and we’re not in a position to take advantage, that’s on us.

“It’s going to be tough because those teams don’t drop a lot of points, but we can’t focus on that. Our focus has to be on the next game.

“We have shown in recent weeks, and for large parts of last season, that we are capable of putting a run of wins together.

“There is real quality in the squad, and getting players like Jarlath O’Rourke and Pat Hoban back from injury is a massive boost.

“We also have magnificent supporters who have stood by us through thick and thin.

"Having their backing gives us such a lift, and we want to make sure we give them something to cheer about.”