Jordan Stewart's ‘stand up and deliver’ Glentoran goal for Irish League club's 'big opportunity'
Jordan Stewart heads into Tuesday’s BetMcLean Cup quarter-final calling for Glentoran to “stand up and deliver”.
With silverware success effectively three wins away – starting at home to Cliftonville - 30-year-old playmaker Stewart is relishing the “big opportunity” to achieve his Glens goals.
“The BetMcLean Cup is a massive competition,” said Stewart. “I came back to Glentoran to help win trophies and this competition is a big opportunity to take another step toward that.
"Cup ties often come down to one or two key moments, so you need to be switched on and fully focused.
"As players, we know these are the nights where you have to stand up and deliver.”
Trophy glory now offers an additional reward beyond the day’s trophy lift – with a direct path into the European play-off final.
However, Stewart accepts the immediate challenge up against an in-form Cliftonville side making the journey across Belfast to The Oval off a five-game unbeaten league run.
“Cliftonville are a top side with real pedigree and they are on a strong run of form,” said Stewart. “We fully respect the quality they have...but we are at home and we need to impose ourselves on the game.
"If we play with the intensity, belief and quality we showed in the first couple of months of the season, then we give ourselves every chance of reaching the semi-final.”
Stewart, now in his second spell at Glentoran, will head into December with high hopes following personal progress from October injury woe but November team struggles.
“At Glentoran, standards matter,” said Stewart. “The fans expect a team that fights, competes and plays with real intensity.
"And we know we have not given them enough of that in recent weeks.
"Every one of us in the dressing room is taking responsibility for that.
"Nobody is feeling sorry for themselves and our focus is on reacting, working harder and delivering the performances this club expects.
“The manager (Declan Devine) and staff have been first-class with me since I came back.
"Their attention to detail is outstanding and they leave no stone unturned.
"Declan is honest, approachable and a winner and when standards dip, he lets you know.
"But he also gives you the belief and the tools to put it right.
"Paddy (McCourt, assistant manager), Tim (McCann, first-team coach) and Elliott (Morris, goalkeeper coach) all bring something different and they drive the group every single day.
"That is why there is so much belief in this squad that we can get back on track.”
Stewart’s efforts secured in-house club ‘Player of the Month’ prizes across August and September.
"I’m really starting to feel like myself again,” he said. “The last few weeks have not been at the standard expected at this club.
"The responsibility is on us as players to stand up, be counted and put it right and Tuesday night is the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.”