Marcus Kane makes Glentoran squad claim ahead of season opener at Portadown

Glentoran captain Marcus Kane feeling good as he begins his 14th season at the club

Marcus Kane feels the current Glentoran squad is the strongest during his time at the club.

The Glens captain, who has been at The Oval since 2012, feels boss Declan Devine has added quality and depth to the playing panel during the close season.

It’s been a busy summer in east Belfast with Peter Urminsky, Daniel Larmour, Ryan Cooney, Liam Burt, Jordan Stewart and Pat Hoban all coming in with Kane hoping to kick off the new campaign with a win at Portadown.

“This is probably the strongest squad I’ve been part of during my time at Glentoran,” he said.

“There is real quality in every position and genuine depth throughout the team, which is something we may have been missing at times in the past.

“The new lads have come in and already shown glimpses of what they are capable of, both in training and during our pre-season games.

“But it is not just about their ability. What stands out most is how quickly they have embraced the culture, the standards and the togetherness we have built within the dressing room.

“We now have a bigger squad, a better balance of youth and experience and real competition for places across the board. No one can take their place for granted and that is exactly how it should be if we are serious about challenging for silverware.

“The energy, focus and professionalism around the club have been first class and in terms of the day-to-day atmosphere in the group it’s probably the best it has ever been.

“Everyone is pushing each other and we’re all fully focused on delivering more silverware this season.

“We know Portadown will be a tough test. They’ll have a big home crowd behind them and will be looking to lay down a marker on the opening day.

“They’ve made some smart additions over the summer and will be aiming to hit the ground running on their own patch.

“The first game of the season always brings that bit of extra edge and emotion. We’re expecting a real battle and we know we’ll need to be at our best from the very first whistle. But we’re ready.

“We’ve prepared properly, we know what’s expected, and we’re going there with a clear goal to get three points and make a strong start to our season.”