Glentoran striker Jay Donnelly believes he has found a natural “home” at the BetMcLean Oval after committing his longterm future to the Danske Bank Premiership leaders.
Donnelly, who joined the Ovalmen in September 2020, has signed a new contract extension, a deal that keeps him at the Mersey Street club until at least June 2025.
It is an important piece of business and also a show of faith and support by Glens boss Mick McDermott who recently declared Donnelly “on his day, the best striker in the Irish League”.
And the 26-year-old, who has scored a prolific 23 goals in 29 games this season, said it was a ‘no brainer’ to extend his stay in East Belfast.
“I can’t thank Glentoran enough for what they have done for me and my family and I am delighted to sign this contract extension,” said Donnelly.
“I really feel at home here, I’m loving every minute of it and I’m glad to recommit my future to this great club.
“My aim is to keep up my recent form and help bring silverware to the BetMcLean Oval. The fans have been amazing and I’d love to pay them back with trophies. It's a big motivation.”
Since joining Glentoran in 2020, Donnelly has scored 40 goals in only 68 appearances, a prolific ratio of a goal every 1.7 games.
And boss McDermott says it’s no surprise that the mobile frontman was recently linked with an international call-up.
“Jay has earned this contract extension through his high level of performances over the past year,” said McDermott.
“He has shown his quality week in and week out and his goal tally is a consequence of that quality, combined with a commitment and a humble hunger to succeed.
“His teammates and our fans can testify to his work-rate each week and I believe that shows his dedication to deliver for our club.
“It speaks volumes that recently our local sports media identified him for a potential Northern Ireland senior call-up and again that shows how far Jay has come since joining Glentoran.”
Donnelly’s regular goals return and performances this season have helped propel the Glens to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.
McDermott’s men, fresh from last week’s 1-0 derby win over Linfield at the BetMcLean Oval, are three points clear of the Blues at the summit.
The Big Two giants, who last lifted the Gibson Cup in 2009, are next in action on Friday night when they travel to face Larne at Inver Park.
