Glentoran's Jonny Frazer believes Croatian playmaker Hrvoje Plum is only going to get better after agreeing a new contract with the East Belfast club.
Plum, a summer signing from NK Osijek, penned an extension until the end of next season after becoming a fan’s favourite in his debut campaign at The Oval.
The 25-year-old has scored 13 goals in 26 games - six of them direct from free-kicks - and helped the Glens’s muscle their way into this season’s title race.
The Big Two giants, enjoying a renaissance under inspirational boss Mick McDermott, lie level on points with Linfield and Cliftonville at the league summit.
Frazer, who also recently agreed a new deal until at least 2021 at The Oval, told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast : “Hrvoje has been superb and I actually think he’s getting better and better.
“Whatever leagues he played in before were probably slower paced, so when he first came here the physicality of our league was maybe a bit of shock.
“He was still producing free-kicks and end product but like a lot of players who come here it takes time to adapt to the intensity of the games.
“He has done that and he’s now really dictating games. Even on Saturday against Warrenpoint, he assisted Robbie McDaid from open play and also scored.
“You can be a technically gifted player, but Hrvoje actually makes impacts games, he’s making assists and scoring goals. You can’t ask any more of him.”
On Plum’s emergence as a potent set-piece specialist - he has also chipped in with three penalties - Frazer added: “There’s almost a cheer when you get a free-kick around the edge of the box.
“You know if you win free-kicks around the box, Hrvoje is superb. I think he’d be scoring them in the (English) Prem, never mind our league. I just think he’s that good.
“Even his penalties, he has nerves of steel. In the 93rd minute against Portadown in the Irish Cup he does a slow run-up and puts it in the top corner.”
While Frazer, 23, has had to satisfy himself with a ‘supersub’ role at the Oval this season, the former Linfield and Ards winger is content to bide his time.
The Glens are unbeaten in their last 14 league games and riding high in the table ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Institute at the Brandywell.
“I have no complaints whatsoever,” said Frazer. “What am I going to do? Rap on the manager’s office and go ‘I should be playing’?
“I know I shouldn’t because the boys have been fantastic.
“My energy and pace are probably useful off the bench, so it’s about trying to make the most of your opportunity when it comes.”
Check out this week's That's What I Call Football podcast featuring Glentoran striker Jonny Frazer.
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