Two things came out of yesterday’s victory for Glentoran against a touring Rangers XI.

Firstly, on the basis of this game at least, the Glens’ kids are better than Rangers’ youngsters.

Secondly, the present incumbants of the first team jerseys at the Oval would need to watch their backs as there are some potential stars in this Glentoran squad who look more than capable of stepping into Carling Premiership action.

One of the few experienced players in the Glentoran line-up, Michael Halliday, gave the home side the lead before Jimmy Callacher doubled the advantage.

Teenage Israeli trialist Gil Blumstein pulled one back for the Gers but the east Belfast men were never in any real danger of losing their lead against a team which knocked six past Portadown on Thursday night.

The opener came after just 12 minutes and it was typical Halliday as the striker rose highest in the box to head home a Grant Gardiner corner.

Two minutes later Shane McCabe almost doubled the advantage with a dipping volley but the Glens found the net shortly after when another superb Gardiner delivery wreaked havoc in front of the Rangers’ goal and Callacher hooked home from six yards.

Glentoran had their lead halved on 29 minutes when Blumstein latched onto a Johnny Taylor stumble before firing past James Taylor in the home goal.

Things got worse for Johnny Taylor just a minute later when referee Brian Turkington called on the Glens bench to take the young defender off after an awful challenge on Alan Gow.

And before half time Stephen Lennon was taken off and put into an ambulance after another strong tackle.

There was precious little action after the break and the biggest cheer arrived with a standing ovation for Jason Hill who, though still on the transfer list, was back in the side — the reaction from the stands showing how the fans feel about that decision.

GLENTORAN: James Taylor, McGovern, Johnny Taylor, Harris, Hill, Hall, McCabe, Callacher, Gardiner, Halliday. Burrows. Subs: Morris, Nixon, Neill, Clarke, Fordyce, Hamilton, Waterworth, Buckley, Gardiner, Brannigan, McBurnie.

RANGERS: Weir, Lowing, Kinniburgh, McMillan, Wilson, Stirling, Loy, Gow, Fleck, Blumstein, Lennon. Subs: Ingles, Elmslie, Ness, Wylde, Perry, Bagci.

Referee: Brian Turkington (Belfast)