‘Major’ a target in special year

Even the boss admits on the eve of the first in a intense treble header with Glentoran that this year has an added edge.

“I look back to the centenary year in 1986 when I was club captain under manager Roy Coyle and he later confided to me that it was so intense right from the start to strive for a ‘major’ in that special year,” explained Jeffrey.

“While the actual Irish Cup semi-final with Glentoran on Saturday does not bring any extra pressure, there is no doubt from the start of the season I knew there would understandably be an extra desire to secure one of the main trophies. So far we are in with a shout on two fronts. We can expect a tough, tough tie against the Glens. It’s three in a row and I can’t never recall three Big Two games in a row before.

“They beat us in the Co Antrim Shield earlier in the season fair and square, but we were bitterly disappointed in our own performance on that occasion.”

After a dip in form the Blues are back to their best and Jeffrey says that is the type of form he will demand from his team from here on in.

“We have three clean sheets in a row and nine points from three crucial games. Our win last Friday night at Seaview was excellent and the result of a superb, gritty professional performance.

“You can’t even start to think or predict how games against Glentoran will go - all you know is they are going to be very passionate just like any derby day.”

Damien Curran is ruled out of the cup tie, but at least his season in not over as was first feared whenhe limped off at Seaview. “Thankfully physio Terry Hayes compressed the swelling and after x-rays it showed he has ligament damage. I thought his season was finished, but at training this week he was more comfortable and should be okay to play a part in the run-in,” added Jeffrey.