Mick McDermott says Conor McMenamin is on course to return to action before the end of the month.
McMenamin has been missing since breaking a metatarsal in Glentoran's defeat to Cliftonville back in November.
It was expected that the Northern Ireland winger would be absent until February, and that prognosis appears accurate with the 27-year-old nearing a return.
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It will be a massive boost to the Glens whose Premiership aspirations have nosedived during McMenamin's injury.
McDermott offered an update on his squad on Tuesday, including news that Shay McCartan is ready to return following his seven-match suspension.
He told the club's website: "This week we welcome back Shay McCartan from suspension and numerous players available after injury; James Singleton, Aidan Wilson, Bobby Burns, with Conor McMenamin progressing positively with a planned return date later in January.
"As the window evolves there may be some player movement in and out. We have had many requests for players to go out on loan - particularly our young players. We will consider what is best for their development and our squad and make decisions in the coming weeks.
"As always, we will keep our options open if players become available; we are always looking to strengthen and no doubt Paul Millar will be working tirelessly until the end of the window to monitor our scouting network and prospect database."
Meanwhile, McDermott has confirmed striker Ally Roy will be moving to a Scottish Championship side on a half-season loan deal.
He said: "Ally needs game time and this move gives him that opportunity. Ally and his wife are expecting their first child in the coming days and this move back to Scotland will allow them to have family support around them.
"We wish him well over the second half of the season with the potential return to Glentoran this summer."
Elsewhere, the Glens have confirmed the signing of teenage goalkeeper Alex Henderson.
Henderson has joined the Oval club from Airdrieonians.
"Alex is an 18-year-old Goalkeeper who has already made several appearances for Airdrie 1st team. He has already impressed in training and is definitely a great prospect for the future," McDermott said.
Also re-joining Glentoran are Ciaran O’Connor and Jordan Jenkins who had both been out on loan.
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