MIDFIELDER Declan Glass is looking forward to playing football again after being stuck at home on Saturday afternoons.

The Dundee United man has returned to Cove Rangers for a second loan spell after impressing in a six-month period at Balmoral Stadium in 2019.

Now, he is looking to win over the fans all over again after linking up with former Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley, who is also back for a second spell at the club.

Glass said: “Playing regularly is massive. I have not done that for a wee while now.

“The last time I played regularly was at Dundee United when I was in and out the team for 10 games between October 2021 and the New Year.

“That was probably when I played most regularly and it is a massive thing.

“It breeds confidence, it gives you a chance to get sharp and start performing to your best.

“What everybody wants to do is play on a Saturday at 3pm.

READ MORE: Declan Glass secures rare league double with Cove Rangers and Dundee United

“It has not really been the case, especially since coming back from Ireland.

“I have been sitting in the house at 3pm, which has been a strange feeling.

“I definitely want to get back out and be playing again.”

Glass’ first spell in Aberdeen saw him help Cove top League Two on their way to promotion.

His form in the Granite City earned him a recall to Tannadice, where he helped his parent club to return to the top flight of Scottish football.

However, a serious knee injury saw a planned loan spell with Partick Thistle the following year cut short.

Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) meant he spent time on the sidelines before bouncing back with a six-game loan spell with Kilmarnock at the end of last season.

READ MORE: Declan Glass makes loan move to Kilmarnock

That was followed by a temporary move to the League of Ireland and a spell with Derry City.

The 22-year-old had mixed feelings about his time away from Scottish football.

He said: “I enjoyed some aspects but I never played as much as I would like.

“I really wanted to play more but that is just football – these things happen, unfortunately.

“I would have liked to have played more but overall I did enjoy it.”

Since returning to Cove Rangers, Glass, who grew up in Tranent, has featured twice as he aims to help the club climb the table.

The move has reunited Glass with Hartley, who had an 11-game spell in charge of English League Two side Hartlepool United.

READ MORE: Declan Glass vows to bounce back after suffering serious knee injury

Former Ross High School pupil Glass said: “I had success there previously, which I am not daft enough to say it guarantees success this time but it is definitely a place I see as a special place.

“Paul being here is absolutely huge and probably one of the most important things in my decision.

“The attraction of Paul being back, the assistant Gordon Young being here, the fitness coach Tam Ritchie being here, they were a massive difference in going back.

“The manager knows how I work and I know how he works and I really enjoyed working with him.”