Glentoran title-winner calls on Irish League club's 'massive players' to stand up in crunch Larne clash
Former Glentoran star Shane McCabe insists the club’s “massive players” have to stand up in Friday’s Premiership title showdown with leaders Larne as they look to take a step towards ending their 17-year Gibson Cup wait.
McCabe was part of the last Glens squad to celebrate league success during the 2008/09 campaign – they finished one point ahead of ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield at the summit.
Their title drought has extended year-on-year with The Oval outfit failing to finish above third across the past 16 seasons, but Declan Devine’s side have put themselves in prime position this term.
The East Belfast club sit three points behind Larne and know if they defeat the Inver Reds on home turf that they’ll enter the final match of the season top and with fate in their own hands.
However, if Gary Haveron’s side leave with a third consecutive away win against their rivals, Larne will secure a third Gibson Cup across the past four seasons.
It promises to be a dramatic climax to another thrilling Irish League campaign and McCabe says it’s an occasion for top talent to make an impact.
"They have to go for it,” he said. “It's a massive, massive game where massive players will stand up - lesser players will crumble in this situation.
"Glentoran haven't won a league title in a long, long time...I was part of the last squad to win one and I'm ancient now!
"It's one of those matches where it appeals to everybody within the Irish League.
"There's more pressure on Glentoran because it's at home and they have to go and win the match.
"I can't see Larne setting up to draw, it's too dangerous of a tactic, but the onus is massively on Glentoran to go out and really bring the pressure, the aggression and give every ounce to get three points.
"I like what Decky has done, I like his personality and he wears his heart on his sleeve. As a player you respond to that.
"They were unlucky in the League Cup final, I thought they were the much better team and deserved to win it.
"This is a massive game to get themselves back to being a league-winning club, it has been far too long - East Belfast has been starved.
"They're progressing well, are a great team to watch and have great pedigree, but it comes down to these 90 minutes.
"It's an occasion the players will either cherish or remember for the wrong reasons.”
In the 17 years since Glentoran celebrated league glory, Linfield have won nine times while Crusaders registered a hat-trick and Cliftonville were back-to-back champions in 2013 and 2014.
Larne also emerged as a genuine contender, winning consecutive titles under Tiernan Lynch, and are now going for another.
McCabe can barely believe how long Glentoran have had to wait, but feels they must now seize their opportunity.
"It's crazy to think it has been 17 years,” he added. “They've been through a lot in terms of management, funding coming in, it has taken a while, but there's no way it should have taken this long.
"Even back then, we faltered the second year and then there were financial constraints. It goes to show how long these things can drag on.
"I don't think they've been in as good a position as they are in now, but even if they do win, you've another match to go and win.
"They'll have full focus on getting East Belfast and The Oval bouncing, apply real pressure to Larne and win this match.
"I don't know if Larne can come and play for a draw, I don't think Gary is that way inclined and it puts serious pressure on players. What a game it is for the players involved...it's an unbelievable occasion."