Irish Cup - Final | Ballymena V Glentoran
G L E N T O R A N S Q U A D
Elliott Morris Goalkeeper // Age 39
Marijan Antolovic Goalkeeper // Age 31
Paul McLaughlin Goalkeeper // Age 19
Willie Garrett Defender // Age 28
Glentoran’s longest serving first team player ever, having made his debut in August 2002, Elliott has already won three Irish Cups and captained Glentoran to their last two Irish Cup final wins. Proved with his semi-final performance his determination to win at least one more winner’s medal.
The giant Croatian keeper joined last summer from FC Osiek along with the now injured and much missed midfielder Hrvoje Plum. As well as in his home nation, Marijan has played senior football in Poland, Israel and Slovenia. Represented Croatia at both U18 and U21 levels.
Paul, from Belfast, has been at Glentoran from a very early age, progressing through all the year groups to make his first team debut against Institute in April 2019, keeping a clean sheet in his only senior appearance to date.
Eastender Willie was the first player to represent Glentoran at every level up to the first team. A lifelong Glentoran supporter, Willie was outstanding in the Glens’ 2015 Irish Cup win over Portadown. Has been in the first team squad since September 2012 and is a quick, adaptable central defender.
Marcus Kane Defender // Age 28
Gavin Peers Defender // Age 34
Patrick McClean Defender // Age 23
Keith Cowan Defender // Age 34
Skipper ‘Moko’ is chasing his third Irish Cup winner’s medal. A utility man for much of his first seven seasons at the club, he has put down roots as left back and has led from the front throughout this cup run. Has 284 appearances, more than any other current outfield player.
A vastly experienced player who joined fromDerry City in January 2019. ‘Peersy’ has provided great leadership and organisation in the Glens defence, as one would expect from a former league winning captain with Sligo Rovers. A very popular player who missed the semi-final through injury.
Paddy was a shock pre-season signing from his hometown club Derry City. A big favourite among the Glens support who quickly dedicated his own song to him. A highlight of his first season in east Belfast was his remarkable injury time overhead kick winner away to Larne.
Joined in January after a career spent at his local club, Finn Harps, where he is a legend. The centre back made just his third start for the Glens in the semi-final but showed all his experience and leadership qualities in an outstanding defensive display.
Lewis McGarvey Defender // Age 19
Mal Smith Midfielder // Age 19
Navid Nasseri Midfielder // Age 24
Joe Crowe Midfielder // Age 22
This could be young Lewis’s last Glentoran appearance for a while as he heads off this summer to start a university scholarship in the USA. A stylish young central defender and U21 captain who has come through the Glens Academy.
Mal has been with the Glens for 10 years and has successfully come through every age level to the first team. Mal made his debut away to Warrenpoint Town last season, and this term has made eight appearances, scoring his first senior goal against Ballyclare Comrades in September.
Signed earlier this season, Nav made an immediate impression with a goal on his debut and quickly won over the Glens’ support as he is a real crowd pleaser. Former Manchester United apprentice and Iran U21 international. One to watch today.
Joined Glentoran in August 2018 after a brief spell with Linfield following a number of years with Norwich City. Originally a central defender, Joe has started all Glentoran’s Irish Cup games so far this season and played a big part in the semi-final victory.
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