Glentoran’s Robbie McDaid targets European adventure after domestic bliss

The Glens ace found the net across last month’s Irish Cup semi-final and final ties to help secure a major prize for the rejuvenated Oval club and reward of a first European tie since 2015.

Now the Faroe Islands’ HB Torshavn will step out at the Oval aiming to halt the Glentoran post-lockdown momentum of progress on and off the pitch following Irish Cup glory and a string of signings.

“It will be my first club game in European competition, so that’s exciting on a personal level but obviously it’s more about the team and getting a result no matter who scores,” said McDaid. “But I had 19 goals going into that closing Irish Cup week and am feeling confident about taking any chances.

“Consistency in front of goal is the aim for any striker and especially in European football when every small margin counts and it could come down to just one opportunity for me or someone else.

“My mindset at the minute regarding sticking chances away is strong but also Mick McDermott has it drilled into the players how it’s about a squad moving forward together, so it’s not a problem if I don’t get a goal as long as we win.

“It’s great for Glentoran to be in Europe as Irish Cup winners and we all want to test ourselves at the highest level.

“This game is now that next step in our progress.”

Glentoran’s Irish Cup semi-final success over Cliftonville marked a first competitive return in around four months and McDaid counts the extra minutes across both ties on top of friendlies and training as crucial.

“It is unusual for Irish League clubs to have competitive minutes behind them going into Europe under normal circumstances,” he said. “We are expecting a tough game but in some ways the quick turnaround from the Irish Cup week to Europe and everything inbetween could be helpful from a preparation viewpoint.

“I think they are something like 17 games into their season but our work in recent weeks should help.

“When I signed for Glentoran we were around mid-table struggling to break into the top six but winning trophies and playing in Europe was always my ambition with this club.

“These games are where a club of Glentoran’s stature deserves to be and everyone is relishing the occasion.”

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