Glentoran new boy Dayle Coleing is determined the Ovalmen aren’t lambs to the slaughter in tomorrow night’s Europa League shootout with Motherwell.
The Irish League club are 10/1 outsiders against the Scottish outfit who have endured a tough start to the new campaign but finished third in the SPFL last season.
Gibraltar keeper Coleing, who has won four caps for his country, is well versed in being a football minnow, but is reluctant to wear an underdog tag at Fir Park.
“Anything can happen in football and there’ll be less pressure on us going into this game as ‘underdogs’,” he said.
“That can work to our advantage, but I don’t think we’re considering ourselves as underdogs because we believe we have a chance of winning this tie.
“It’s another massive game for us, but we’re looking forward to it and I know our fans will be excited to see us play Motherwell who are a big club.”
Having faced Denmark and Switzerland with Gibraltar, Coleing is unlikely to be fazed by the prospect of stepping out for a first round qualifying round tie at an empty Fir Park.
When you’ve pitted your wits against the quality of Christian Eriksen and Granit Xhaka on a national stage, a midweek trip to Lanarkshire should hold few surprises.
“Those were massive games for me against Denmark and Switzerland and my concentration and preparation had to be really good,” he said.
“I think it actually helps with the nerves as well that I’ve played against big teams and big names. It’s good for preparing for big games like this.”
Coleing, who kept a clean sheet in last week’s 1-0 preliminary round win over HB Torshavn, spoke to a familiar face before moving to the Glens earlier this month.
Former Northern Ireland U16 boss Desi Curry was caretaker boss of Gibraltar in 2018 and is currently technical director for the Gibraltar FA.
“I spoke to Desi quite a bit about Glentoran and he explained everything,” said Coleing. “He told me it’s a massive club with a lot of history and a very good fanbase.
“I knew it would be the right move for me. I’m still adapting to life away from home, but my team mates have really helped me settle in.”
Coleing, still only 23, accepts he has “big shoes to fill” in legendary Glens keeper Elliott Morris who has made 741 appearances for the club.
Morris, 39, recently signed a one year contract extension after helping the Big Two giants lift the Irish Cup with a 2-1 win over Ballymena United four weeks ago.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him,” said Coleing. “I knew when I came here he is a legend and they are big shoes to fill. I hope I can fill those shoes.”
