Glentoran boss Rodney McAree has hailed the influence of Conor McMenamin - on and off the pitch.
McMenamin was this week named in Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming European qualifiers against San Marino and Finland.
McAree says it is deserved reward for a player who has lit up the Irish Premiership this season.
Read more: McCann urges Glens to go goal hunting against Glenavon
"I am delighted for Conor getting his call-up. He has been very good for us since he came back from injury," McAree said ahead of Friday night's game against Glenavon.
"He was excellent on Tuesday night against Carrick, and it is good recognition for him and also for the Irish League.
"He was very keen to get selected so fair play to him."
McAree added: "Conor is as good as I have seen in the Irish League. When he gets defenders fronted up they don't know whether to show him inside or outside.
"He has blistering pace, is strong and has two good feet. The one thing about Conor is his honesty, that's one of his biggest strengths.
"He works his socks off, and his GPS stats prove it. He certainly puts his shift in every game.
"And he entertains, and that's what fans want to see. When he was out injured Conor would have spoken up in the odd team meeting, and he reminded the players that we need to get people on the edge of their seats.
"Not every player can do it the way Conor does, but he is one that people will pay the entrance fee to watch."
Glentoran welcome Glenavon to the Oval on Friday night. The two sides played out a drab 0-0 draw just nine days ago at the same East Belfast venue.
And while the title may be out of reach for the Glens this season, McAree says it is important to build momentum as they approach the business end of the campaign.
"We were disappointed to bow out of the Irish Cup last weekend, but we got a good response against Carrick on Tuesday night. We now have to target back-to-back wins," he added.
"And we need to try and get a run together again, and we will be doing our utmost to do that."
McAree says late calls will be made on the fitness of Shay McCartan and Niall McGinn who are both struggling with injuries.
Sean Murray and Seanan Clucas are both long-term absentees, while Hrvoje Plum is missing with a hamstring injury.
READ NEXT:
- Introducing Isaac Price and the three other new players in N Ireland's squad
- Michael O'Neill names his squad for European qualifiers
- Michael O'Neill offers Sean Moore advice as he confirms underage plans
- 5 talking points from Michael O'Neill's NI squad announcement
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