Tim McCann has given a positive update on Conor McMenamin's injury.
The Glentoran forward was stretchered off during the 0-0 draw at Coleraine last Friday night as the result of a tackle by Dean Jarvis.
The Glens were angered the Bannsiders defender only received a yellow card for the challenge, but their main concern was with their player with initial reports suggesting McMenamin had fractured his fibula and was set to be out for at least two months.
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However, McCann revealed after Tuesday night's County Antrim Shield semi-final defeat to Linfield on Tuesday night that the injury may not be as severe as first thought.
"We weren't entirely happy with the first prognosis, we've asked for a second opinion and further scans," said the Glentoran coach.
"What we're learning is it isn't as bad as first thought with the original prognosis.
"We are waiting on a specialist to come back to us over the next day or two to find out what the full extent of the injury is and how long Conor is expected to be out so that we can move forward."
McMenamin watched on from the stands at Windsor Park with his leg left in a protective boot.
McCann says the club will give the player all the support necessary so that he is ready to go again once he recovers from the injury.
"Conor is a bubbly guy and when players are out injured we give them as much support as possible," he said.
'But when they are away from the club you don't know what they are thinking.
"We don't know if he's going to be lacking confidence when he comes back on the pitch again.
"Hopefully now he'll be back sooner than expected and be back terrorising defenders again."
There is still a lot of anger at Glentoran that the tackle on McMenamin escaped a more severe punishment.
McCann though said he hopes the fact it has been highlighted across so many media platforms will help lead to more protection for all players throughout the league.
"I still don't understand how that wasn't a red card," he said.
"I saw some tackles in my day but never one like that.
"I played on the wing so I know you are going to get booted at times, but there's a difference between getting booted and tackles like that.
"You can take being fouled but players have to be protected, and not just Conor, I'm talking about all players in the league.
"Hopefully this incident has brought it to the forefront of people's mind and further down the line all players will be better protected from tackles like that."
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