End product to positivity the goal for Ports manager

Victory over old rivals Glentoran would give the Ports’ new interim boss a welcome win towards top-flight survival.

McGibbon has enjoyed an encouraging start to life in the Shamrock Park dugout but accepts how final scores will provide the final word on his short-term spell as caretaker boss.

“It was great to see such a large crowd out on Saturday and the response from the fanbase has been really encouraging so far,” said McGibbon. “As much as Rome wasn’t built in a day, we accept there is not a massive run of games left so it is about points on the board as quickly as possible.

“Everything was so positive last weekend against Coleraine with the exception of the result so we must keep that unity going forward.

“It is about fine margins between winning and losing but if we can get it right in terms of the quality, motivation and fitness all together that is key.

“We need to be singing off the same hymn sheet.”

McGibbon’s hopes of a first win could gain a boost before Saturday with the return of senior strikers Mark McAllister and Gary Twigg.

“Gary was close last weekend,” said McGibbon. “Mark is back from his automatic suspension but will start a two-game ban next week following the red card against Lurgan Celtic.

“I will talk to Philip Lowry later in the week to check on his availability after work commitments in Hong Kong.

“Marcio Soares is still learning and working hard, plus Nathaniel Ferris added that bit of fire when coming on for his senior debut against Coleraine.

“With so few games before the end of the season, it is really important we make the most of those training sessions each Tuesday and Thursday.

“It is paramount we have that physical intensity.”