Following last night’s (Tuesday) fixture at Crumlin United attention now turns to this weekend’s friendly against Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian. The match was of course arranged as part of the transfer deal which saw Bobby Burns leave Mourneview for Tynecastle in May 2018.

Our game is the second match of a short pre-season visit to Ireland by the Edinburgh side and the visitors arrive in fine form. On Monday evening a youthful Hearts side defeated an equally youthful Shelbourne 7 nil in Dublin. After that game Hearts manager Craig Levein indicated on social media his intention to field a strong side for the visit to Mourneview. New signings Jamie Walker, Craig Halkett and Northern Ireland international Conor Washington are all likely starters.  The game could also see appearances from Scottish international John Souttar and talisman forward Uche Ikpeaszu. Likewise Glenavon are expected to field the strongest possible side available to Gary Hamilton including a number of potential signings with the game an important part of our pre-season preparations for the forthcoming campaign.

Saturday’s friendly of course also forms part of the club’s 130th year anniversary celebrations. Hearts are without doubt the most high-profile club to visit Mourneview since Leeds United in 2014 and we are privileged to have them as our visitors. It is hoped that income raised by the game will go some way to help bridge the financial shortfall unfortunately caused by missing out on European qualification next season.

The club is therefore confident that our loyal supporters will realise the financial significance of the game and will turn out in numbers to welcome our prestigious Scottish visitors on Saturday afternoon. (2pm kick off).