Irish Cup: Welders ready for ‘different Glentoran’ in fifth round tie says manager Paul Kee

Whether as individuals or a collective impressing against Glentoran on Friday evening would certainly be a statement, but Kee knows the visitors will be a different side to the one that visited Blanchflower Park four months ago.

Now unbeaten in their past seven games in all competitions and up to second in the Irish Premiership table, manager Declan Devine was rewarded last month with a new contract that runs until the summer of 2027.

Furthermore, with the January transfer window having opened, new signings Christie Pattisson, Shane McEleney and Ciaran Coll are all now available for selection.

“It’s a different Glentoran team, more experience under the manager,” added Kee.

“It’s going to be a tough, tough game for us. They’ve got a good squad of players, they’re experienced and they’ve got some good results recently, especially against their big rivals Linfield.

“If we’re to get anything out of the game on Friday, we have to be at our very, very best and hope that Glentoran have an off day.”

Despite their status as cup underdogs however, Kee says his young side go into the contest with “no fear”. The Welders are in a rich vein of form themselves, having won a pair of festive fixtures against Dundela and Ballyclare Comrades over the past week.

Having been focussed on the “bread and butter” of the league, the manager believes the cup tie will prove to be a valuable experience.

“The players are young so they’ve no fear. We’ve a squad with an average age of 22 and a half,” he said.

“Every team wants to win the cup. As a Championship club our expectations are low, but even if you go on a run, it boosts your profile, gives the players more confidence and experience.

“That’s what I’m keen to get for this young group of players. They’re evolving, they’re growing and playing in these types of games will be powerful for them.”

Whether as individuals or a collective impressing against Glentoran on Friday evening would certainly be a statement, but Kee knows the visitors will be a different side to the one that visited Blanchflower Park four months ago.

Now unbeaten in their past seven games in all competitions and up to second in the Irish Premiership table, manager Declan Devine was rewarded last month with a new contract that runs until the summer of 2027.

Furthermore, with the January transfer window having opened, new signings Christie Pattisson, Shane McEleney and Ciaran Coll are all now available for selection.

“It’s a different Glentoran team, more experience under the manager,” added Kee.

“It’s going to be a tough, tough game for us. They’ve got a good squad of players, they’re experienced and they’ve got some good results recently, especially against their big rivals Linfield.

“If we’re to get anything out of the game on Friday, we have to be at our very, very best and hope that Glentoran have an off day.”

Despite their status as cup underdogs however, Kee says his young side go into the contest with “no fear”. The Welders are in a rich vein of form themselves, having won a pair of festive fixtures against Dundela and Ballyclare Comrades over the past week.

Having been focussed on the “bread and butter” of the league, the manager believes the cup tie will prove to be a valuable experience.

“The players are young so they’ve no fear. We’ve a squad with an average age of 22 and a half,” he said.

“Every team wants to win the cup. As a Championship club our expectations are low, but even if you go on a run, it boosts your profile, gives the players more confidence and experience.

“That’s what I’m keen to get for this young group of players. They’re evolving, they’re growing and playing in these types of games will be powerful for them.”