Seanan Clucas embracing challenges both internal and external ahead of big season at Glentoran

Having those hard yards behind him from the past few months will serve as a driving force for the forward-thinking midfielder who has had his Glens career disrupted by suspension and the coronavirus football freeze.

His selection in last week’s starting line-up for victory over HB Torshavn on a wet and windy night at the Oval offered Clucas hope of a bright future he is aiming to extend against a Motherwell side managed by Stephen Robinson, his former Northern Ireland under 21s manager.

Clucas made the short trip to Scotland this week with the Glens for tonight’s Europa League first qualifying round test against the Scottish Premiership outfit.

“I’m looking on this season as a big one for my career and have been working hard during lockdown and since returning to training with that goal in mind,” said Clucas. “I’ve been hitting the gym on top of my work with the club and made decisions over what I’m eating and everything else away from the pitch to make sure I can make the most of the move.

“It was great to get that start against Torshavn as it marked only my third appearance for the club despite joining in January.

“It’s a reward for the work put in so far I guess but it’s about putting that effort in every single day and making every moment on and off the pitch count.

“It was an awful night at the Oval last week but I was loving being out playing for Glentoran in Europe.

“I came back from lockdown and the message from the manager and coaching team was how everyone had a part to play in moving us forward across the Irish Cup, even those unable to play like myself.

“Being cup-tied meant I could not feature on the pitch and even had restricted minutes in the friendlies but I still had a role to play in helping keep the guys sharp.

“I’ll not say I felt 100 per cent part of the celebrations when we won the Irish Cup as I wasn’t out on the pitch but that only increased my hunger to be part of more success with this club and, next time, be fully involved.”

Clucas’ boost in confidence from personal progress is shared across the squad thanks to the positive momentum of the Irish Cup trophy, reward of European football and additional signings.

“I want to test myself and be tested by better players, that’s the whole point of making the move to Glentoran, so I welcome players who can add and strengthen the squad, that’s how we all get better and the club gets better,” said Clucas. “We face Motherwell with confidence and aiming to treat it like another cup final.

“Stephen Robinson is a brilliant manager and I loved working with him with Northern Ireland under 21s.

“But obviously we go into the tie with our own objectives and a plan towards getting the right result.

“I did everything I could to maximise that lockdown time in the right way and have come back to training with the squad relishing the challenge.

“I want us to be pushing each other, all successful clubs have that competition.

“You cannot afford to take your foot off the gas and I’ll be giving it everything.”