IRISH LEAGUE: Glentoran boss Alan Kernaghan hails player spirit following revival

Alan Kernaghan has praised the character of his players after reviving Glentoran's season with back-to-back Premiership wins last week.

The Glens backed up a spirited 3-1 victory against Glenavon with last week’s 2-0 success over Ballymena United.

It was a welcome shot in the arm for Kernaghan following his side’s Irish Cup malaise against Glenavon – when they lost 4-1 in a sixth round tie.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Ballinamallard, Kernaghan said: “I am pleased with the whole squad, the way they have reacted since the Irish Cup defeat.

“We asked them to do certain things and they have done that. They have delivered and there has been a real determination about them. We have to keep that going, and that’s the hard bit.”

Last week saw Glentoran record back-to-back league wins for the first time since December 5.

“It was long overdue,” Kernaghan added.

“The key now is that we build on these two wins and try and turn it into three or four on the bounce.

“That’s the aim, to continue building momentum and getting the players to keep fighting and battling.

“We are sixth in the table, but we have to target Coleraine in fifth now. They are immediately above us in the table so we have to try and climb the rankings.

“Coleraine also lost last week which was a bonus, so we have to push on.”