'We have to seize this moment': Glentoran star sends clear message as Irish League club look to end title wait
Glentoran’s midfield maestro Cameron Palmer knows the importance of seizing their moment and making “this a season to remember for years to come” as the East Belfast giants look to end a 17-year wait for Premiership title glory.
The Oval outfit haven’t celebrated Gibson Cup success since 2009 and have also failed to finish above third in that period, but have worked their way into a golden opportunity to halt the club’s drought.
Declan Devine’s side host leaders Larne on Friday night knowing victory would see them move into first ahead of next weekend’s final fixture at Coleraine.
However, if Larne were to secure a third away win against the Glens this term, Gary Haveron’s men would clinch a third title across the past four seasons – a draw would also see the dramatic race go down to the wire.
"What a game it is set to be, and we know what we have to do and what we will be aiming to do," said Palmer. "We have to seize this moment, especially as we are at home.
"This is such a fantastic opportunity for us to go and put ourselves in a great position going into that final game of the season.
"We have put ourselves in contention thanks to our performances so far this season, now we have two massive games left and we are determined to make the most of the position we have put ourselves in.
"There's no point working hard all season and not finishing the job now. It's going to be tough as we obviously have Larne and then Coleraine to finish the season, but these are the games you want to be involved in.
"We have the opportunity to make this a season to remember for years to come.
"You never know when these opportunities will come along so you have to make the most of them when you do and that's what we are determined to do.
"There's a great sense of belief within the squad, which has been drilled into us all season, and we have confidence in our own ability that we can go on and achieve what we want to.
"Now is the time for us to step up once more and do our talking out on the pitch."
Palmer has enjoyed a tremendous season from a personal perspective – he was named Glentoran’s Player of the Year and nominated for the same prize at the recent NI Football Awards – but is desperate to finish off this term on a collective high.
"It's been a good few weeks personally and for the club," he added. "As a player, you're not really thinking about personal honours, especially as all our focus has been on keeping up the pressure on Larne at the top of the table.
"But when I got word, I was nominated for the NIFL award it was a pleasant surprise. I was pleased to see Pat (Hoban) win it though as he has been phenomenal for us all year.
"It's obviously his debut season at the club and to score 30 goals is incredible, but that just shows the quality of the man.
"For me to get the nod over him and MJ (Kamson-Kamara), who has also been immense for us all season after coming in this summer, means a lot especially as it was a fans' vote.
"I feel I have played well this season, but that comes from enjoying your football and your surroundings. I think that is the case for all the squad, we are all enjoying life at Glentoran and that is evident in our performances.
"Now we want to end this season on a high for everyone and that all starts on Friday night."