Mick McDermott insists Glentoran will not "go into the darkness quietly" over the Irish Cup eligibility issue surrounding Joe Crowe.
The Oval outfit risk being expelled from the blue riband competition after Crowe featured in Saturday's quarter-final win over Newry City.
It has emerged that Crowe had not successfully completed a three-match suspension after picking up a ban playing for the Glens' reserves team.
Read more: Glentoran boss Mick McDermott lays down dominance claim as he rues 'missed chance'
It was reported that Glentoran's reserves had played three games since Crowe picked up the suspension, but one was in the Intermediate Cup which is a competition the 23-year-old is not eligible for.
Glentoran have been drawn to face Ballymena United in the last four of this season's Irish Cup but now their participation has been cast in doubt.
McDermott told Glens TV on Tuesday night: "We are still in until we are out.
"We will defend ourselves but we are waiting to hear from the authorities. Whatever is thrown our way we have no doubt we will defend ourselves.
"This is Glentoran Football Club. We are not going to go into the darkness quietly.
"If it is proven we have done something wrong, you take your medicine and move on. There's nothing underhand that is happening here.
"But if we have to defend ourselves until the end of time, we will. We will do it, no doubt about it."
The Irish FA is fully aware of the issue but have yet to comment on the situation.
The semi-finals are scheduled for April 1 and 2.
Read more: Glentoran fans fear Irish Cup expulsion after eligibility issue overshadows Newry City win
Read more: Coleraine manager Oran Kearney rails against "inexcusable" Irish Cup decision
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
