Mick McDermott has hailed Seanan Clucas as one of Glentoran's unsung heroes after the club booked its place in the European play-off final.
A 2-0 win over Glenavon on Tuesday night has teed up a lucrative winner-takes-all showdown with fellow full-timers Larne at the Oval on Friday.
Conor McMenamin and Jay Donnelly got the goals in the semi-final win, but it was midfielder Clucas who earned the manager's praise.
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"Seanan has been brilliant since he came here," McDermott told Glentoran's YouTube channel.
"He went through a rough time when he arrived with a couple of red cards, and he got a bit of stick for it.
"But he's a big strong character and he has come through that and I think he has earned the respect of the fans, and definitely from his teammates and the coaching staff.
"Yes, every player makes mistakes, but you can never fault his effort, his enthusiasm, his desire to win, and that's what you need."
McDermott also singled out Rory Donnelly after the forward played almost 30 minutes despite struggling with illness.
The former Cliftonville attacker had also been in hospital the day prior to the match.
"Rory has been really ill for the last few days and was in hospital as recently as yesterday, so I would give Rory credit for coming out of hospital and giving it his all in those 30 minutes out there tonight," McDermott added.
"I think all the boys put in a good shift. The first half was difficult because of the conditions but I think we defended well, and we had to. They had a lot of throw-ins, corners and free-kicks.
"And with us having the wind in the second half we knew the tide would turn to a point, but we still had to create chances."
Pressure will be on both Glentoran and Larne to deliver European football.
With significant investment being pumped into both clubs, the financial windfall that comes with qualification would be a welcome shot in the arm for the two clubs who endured frustrating Premiership campaigns.
The Glens could only finish third, while Larne trailed back in fifth.
McDermott's men haven't won in their previous four Premiership games against Larne, with Tiernan Lynch's side claiming four points from two meetings at the Oval.
Asked if Glentoran were "due a win" over Friday's opponents, McDermott said: "I hope so, but unfortunately it doesn't work like that.
"Every time you play it's a new game and a new challenge.
"I am glad we're playing at home on Friday night. It's a quick turnaround and we will be in tomorrow for a recovery session and we will be in on Thursday for preparation for the game.
"We will be here with hopefully a big crowd to cheer us on. We will give it everything, as will Larne.
"You prepare all season to win a trophy. If you don't win a trophy then the minimum is you try and qualify for Europe.
"That's Larne's target and it is our target.
"Unfortunately one of us is not going to have that after Friday night, but hopefully it is not us."
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