Can Glens cause an upset in Ferguson's first game?

Glentoran are 14 points off Coleraine after a poor start to the season, but they are unbeaten in their past five games in the league following a 2-1 loss at the Oval against the Bannsiders.

A run that included four wins and a draw under joint interim managers Tim McCann and Paddy McCourt has helped the Glens up to fourth in the table.

A precious victory at the Showgrounds would move them level on points with Larne and send out a strong statement that Ferguson can handle the Irish Premiership, despite his limited knowledge of the league.

Ferguson, whose previous short stints as a manager came at Forest Green Rovers and Inverness, has had a week and a half to prepare his side for this fixture following the stunning announcement of his arrival on 19 October and the postponement of the Ballymena game.

In his first press conference he spoke about ensuring his team is one that will "really run, run and run".

He acknowledged that while they have the joint best defensive record in the league, having shipped just 10 goals in their 12 games, the Glens have "lacked in creating chances" and therefore need to play "attacking football".

The return to full fitness of star striker Pat Hoban should help Ferguson's side, who have scored just 16 goals this season, 15 fewer than Coleraine.

All eyes will be on 'Big Dunc' at the Showgrounds, with even Coleraine boss Higgins acknowledging that his team "might be a bit of a sideshow" given the attention and expectation surrounding the Scotsman.

Whatever the result it is set to be a memorable Irish League moment and Ferguson's fortunes at the club will be an intriguing subplot for the rest of the domestic season.