Stephen Baxter says he’s “so proud” to be Carrick Rangers manager after his side’s display during their narrow Premiership defeat against Glentoran – pointing to numerous examples of players showing up amidst difficult personal circumstances.

The ‘Gers lost out in the closing stages at The Oval after MJ Kamson-Kamara’s late strike kept the Glens’ title bid on track, but Carrick remain in strong contention for a European play-off position.

A stunning run of form in 2026 has propelled Baxter’s men into seventh – across the last 15 league matches played by each team, only the top-four have collected more points than Carrick (24).

Their nine-match unbeaten Premiership streak was ended on Tuesday evening, but Baxter expressed his immense pride in Carrick’s collective efforts.

placeholder image — Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

Baxter revealed Joe Moore, who started at The Oval, returned home from Scotland, where he attended his grandfather’s funeral, to take part.

"We came here knowing we were coming up against an incredibly strong team,” Baxter told the club’s media channel. “We have played them a couple of times this year, we lost very heavily at our own ground, and they were magnificent that day.

"They have quality players 1-24, what is coming off their bench and not even making their squad is madness.

"They came at us like a hurricane in the first 10 minutes and we had to weather that storm.

"We did it exceptionally well...the discipline of our work, we frustrated them no end and it was superb work.

"Nathan Gartside makes a double save in the first half, another save in the second half, we ride our luck with a couple of headers. Unfortunately Nathan drops a routine ball into the box which he is devastated about.

"There's no criticism, there's only gratitude and thankfulness from me. I said to them in there 'thank you' because they were incredible.

"Joe Moore flew home from burying his grandad in Scotland this morning...he gets on a plane and gets himself here to play.

"Billy Joe Burns shouldn't play, he has a hip injury, a hamstring injury, and was in hospital with his young child getting the appendix out for the last three days, but he says 'I'll be playing'. That's the nature of the man.

"I don't think I've ever been as proud of a team, I'm so proud to be their manager.

"We will now enjoy a week off, the boys won't be back in until Tuesday night, and hopefully all these bodies will begin to recover because we have three or four hamstring injuries.

"Kyle (Cherry) has came off tonight with another hamstring injury...that's the shortage in the squad, the amount of games in that period and not getting recovery.

"It's tough work, but that's the nature of it. I'm proud people are putting their bodies on the line for Carrick Rangers, that pleases me."

With the Irish Cup quarter-finals taking centre stage this weekend, Carrick will make the most of a welcome break – they’ll return to Premiership duties against Ballymena United on March 14.

Influential midfielder Joe Crowe has missed Carrick’s last two matches while Jimmy Callacher hasn’t featured since January, but Baxter hopes to have both back in the coming weeks.

"I spoke to Joe at length and he's certainly two weeks away before we will see him, but you can’t rush hamstrings,” added Baxter. “The problem is if you go too early with them, you tear them and you can put yourself out for much longer.

"Jimmy Callacher has got back onto the training pitch and is probably two or three weeks away from making a return which will be helpful.

"Adam Lecky has a knee problem and played at the weekend when he shouldn't have, he will maybe need an injection to release some of the fluid that has built up again.”