I have won a few things and experience tells me it’s just about the next game

GLENS ACE PEERS SCOFFS AT TITLE TALK

GLENTORAN’S Gavin Peers has shot down suggestions Mick Mcdermott’s men are in the title mix after their knockout Boxing Day win over Linfield.

An Elvio van Overbeek flick and late brace from Hrvoje Plum sealed a memorable 3-0 Big Two triumph against the reigning champions in East Belfast.

Derby victory eased Mick Mcdermott’s (right) men, who are now unbeaten in their last 11 league games, up to fourth and within three points of new leaders Cliftonville.

But Peers, who lifted the League of Ireland title with Sligo Rovers in 2012, insists nobody at The Oval is getting carried away by bright stats or media headlines.

“I don’t look at the league table and I don’t listen to any of that [title talk],” he said. “It doesn’t matter to me. For me, it’s about enjoying your football and trying to win games.

“I have been fortunate enough to win a few things as a player and I’m experienced enough to know it’s only ever about the next game. We’re in a good rhythm at the minute and if we keep doing what we’re doing game by game, maybe we can be in and around it, but there’s a long way to go.”

Peers, who joined Glentoran from Derry City 12 months ago, is loving life under the ambitious manager Mcdermott and first team coach

Paul ‘Windy’ Millar.

The 34-year-old defender said: “I hadn’t really enjoyed football for two or three years, but you find a place you enjoy and I’m really enjoying it here.

“The gaffer and Windy came in earlier this year and they’ve been great. They made me enjoy my football again and the lads have also given me a real boost.

“I’m happy to lend my experience to them, help out and hopefully we can push on and win something at Glentoran.”

In the wake of Thursday’s 3-0 win over the Blues, Peers is eager Mcdermott’s men kick on, starting at home to

Ballymena United today.

David Jeffrey’s Sky Blues travel to Mersey Street on the back of a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat to derby rivals Coleraine.

“I thought we were the better team against Linfield and even when we were under pressure, I felt we were in control,” said Peers.

“It was a good result, but we know we need to keep that going now.

“Every game in this league is massive, but we can’t jump ahead of ourselves. Our focus now is on Ballymena.” The Glens, whose last league defeat was against Cliftonville in early October, have had to navigate a challenging Christmas period.

Their Big Two triumph followed a 1-0 victory at Carrick Rangers who paid an emotional tribute to Jerry Thompson, who took his life earlier this month, prior to kick-off.

“Carrick was really tough because of the situation,” said Peers. “The pitch also wasn’t great, but we manager to dig out a 1-0 win.”