A PLEASURE CRUES

Smyth: Seaview trip is to be relished and I’ve told the players that reaching final is within their compass

NEW Glentoran boss Gary Smyth has told his players to “relish and enjoy” today’s daunting Tennents Irish Cup showdown with Crusaders at Seaview.

The Glens, who parted company with Ronnie Mcfall on Thursday, head to North Belfast on a dismal run of no wins in their last 11 games.

But while Smyth accepts the Ovalmen are massive underdogs, he knows the value of a shock result on the Shore Road.

Victory would inject some much needed confidence into a team threatened by the looming spectre of a relegation dogfight.

“A win would give everyone a boost and lift this big dark cloud that has been hanging over the club the last couple of months,” said Smyth, who is taking the managerial reins for the first time.

“It couldn’t get much tougher for us going to Seaview, but I want to see us play with confidence, give it a real go and enjoy the challenge.

“The least we can ask is spirit, energy and effort. I spoke to the players on Thursday night and they know exactly what’s expected of them.

“You can’t be at your best every week, but that’s not to say you can’t give your all. That’s what we’re asking. If you do that, things can turn around for you very quickly.”

Smyth, who will be assisted by fellow former Glentoran defender Paul Leeman, won two Irish Cups at the Glens and was part of the last Crusaders side to lift the trophy in 2009.

He also won the blue riband competition as a Glenavon player in 1997.

“I’ve told the boys it’s the best day in the Irish League calendar,” he said. “Winning the League title is the biggest achievement, but the Irish Cup final is the best day.

“We couldn’t have been handed a tougher draw, but there’ll be a great atmosphere and we want to go as far as we can in the competition.”

On managing Glentoran for the first time, Smyth, who won two league titles and numerous other trophies with the East Belfast club, admitted: “I’m looking forward to it.

“Everything has happened so quickly, but no doubt when I wake up on Saturday morning there’ll be butterflies. I’ll probably feel like a player again.”

While the Glens are struggling, Crusaders are in a rich vein of form with five straight wins in the league, including a New Year’s Day success over Ballymena United which propelled them back into the thick of the title race.

“They’re reigning league champions and flying at the moment,” said Smyth. “Nobody is expecting us to win the tie but that means all the pressure is on Crusaders.”

Glentoran are without suspended duo Robbie Mcdaid and Marcus Kane, but new signings Darren Murray and Lukasz Gwiazda are both available.

Striker Murray joined the club last month after leaving Portadown while the versatile Gwiazda can play in midfield or attack.