Ferguson hopes United can kick-start league campaign at Oval

After claiming their first league point in last week’s draw with Carrick Rangers, the Sky Blues claimed their first victory of the season with a 4-1 extra-time League Cup success over Moyola Park.

Now boss Ferguson is hopeful that United can add to their Danske Bank Premiership points tally as they travel to Glentoran on Saturday (3pm).

“The only thing that will determine whether we have turned things around is the next game,” said Ferguson.

“We go to the Oval, which will be difficult, but we go now with a bit more confidence.

“We’ve proved we can score goals and we’ve looked a lot more solid defensively - Johnny Taylor and Gareth Rodger looked good playing together at Moyola - and we have players to come back in who weren’t available.

“Hopefully we will have a stronger panel to choose from and we can hopefully pick up the three points.”

One of those available for selection is Jim Ervin, who is back from suspension after being sent off twice in United’s opening five games of the season.

The defender has endured a miserable time since being handed the captain’s armband in the summer but Ferguson has backed his skipper to bounce back.

“I feel sorry for Jim because twice he has been sent off after we have made defensive mistakes.

“He has come across from full-back to try and cover and the centre forwards on both occasions they have played him well and he has been sent off.

“He was distraught after last week but he’s a big character and he’ll come back from it,” added Ferguson.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport for tomorrow’s game leaves Henry Street car park at 2pm.