Glentoran boss Mick McDermott says Conor McMenamin has the “gears” to “light up” the Irish League over the next few years.
McMenamin, who joined the Ovalmen from Cliftonville 12 months ago, has scored 12 goals in 25 games for the Big Two giants this season.
He contributed a goal and assist in last Friday night’s 2-1 win at Crusaders and also fired home a late winner in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Coleraine.
It was a timely reminder of the winger’s qualities after he sat out three games at the start of January following a red card in a 1-1 draw at Linfield on December 27.
“Conor has been super since he signed,” said McDermott, ahead of Saturday's home clash with Warrenpoint Town.
“He’s a special talent and he’s at a good age now where he could really put on a show here for the next few years.
“I keep pressing him that he has another couple of gears to go. I’ve been telling him that and if he decides to go through them, he could light it up.”
McDermott has been impressed with how McMenamin has settled in at Glentoran, who beat Larne to the versatile forward’s signature on deadline day last January.
“Conor is a brilliant personality to have around the club,” he said.
“He’s good with the group, he’s a really free-spirited lad and he enjoys his life with his daughter (five-year-old Daisy). He’s just really good to have around.
“He has been super for us and the fact he missed games with a broken toe at the end of last season hurt us because he is a talented player.”
While Warrenpoint are rooted to the foot of the table and have taken just two points from their last nine league outings, one of those points was secured in a 1-1 draw with Linfield at Windsor Park.
Asked if that result stands as a "warning", McDermott said: “Every week is a warning in this league. It’s not about us thinking we’re second and Warrenpoint are last. No, no, no. That’s when life comes back to bite you.
“I don’t care if it’s a Warrenpoint team sitting third, fourth, fifth or 12th, if you don’t show up in this league, you don’t win."
