'We've given ourselves a chance' - Hoban on title hopes

Glentoran striker Pat Hoban said that his side "would have snapped your hand off" to be in contention for the league title with two games to go back in November following a tough month.

The Glens face leaders Larne on Friday night in a big game live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, knowing a win would move them level on points with the Inver Reds before the last game of the season.

It is a remarkable turnaround for Declan Devine's side, who were almost out of contention after just one league win from four games in November but are now on a nine-game unbeaten run and right back in the race to win a first Gibson Cup since 2009.

"We would have snapped your hand off at the end of November to be in this position at the end of the season," Hoban told BBC Sport NI.

"We had a bad November and it left us a bit behind but we clawed it back and we stuck together. The group has gone up levels the last couple of months.

"We've trained well all week and we're looking forward to the game. We know it's a big game. We're going to be ready for it."

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'It's going to be a cracking game'

Glentoran beat Dungannon Swifts 5-0 at the Oval last weekend to move their goal difference onto 39, the same as Larne's.

The Glens have failed to win any of the four meetings in all competitions between the sides this season, something Hoban acknowledges they must put right on Friday before their final game of the season against Coleraine.

"We have to approach it like we approached Dungannon. We have to go straight for it, but you can't be getting frustrated you have to meet it head on and perform to the best of your ability," he added.

"We haven't beaten them so far this season so it's going to be a cracking game."

The 34-year-old joined the east Belfast side in the summer from Derry City and is desperate to end his first season with the club on a high with silverware.