Glenavon’s penultimate home game before the split sees the visit of Ballinamallard United for Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership Game 31.

Gary Hamilton has his sights set on overhauling Cliftonville, just one point ahead of the Lurgan Blues ahead of tomorrow’s games. As the competition for a European place heats up he’s also mindful that Coleraine are only two points behind.

“Cliftonville are the team in our sights,” says boss Hamilton. “However, we also have to look over our shoulder because Coleraine are close behind. It is important for us to focus on what we do. If we keep winning then it does not matter what happens below us. We have to play Coleraine twice and both Cliftonville and Linfield in the split so there is still a lot than can happen.”

Joel Cooper returns to contention for a starting place after he served a one-game ban, sitting out last weekend’s win against Warrenpoint Town but midfield lynchpin Andy Kilmartin misses out as he starts a two-game ban having clocked up 10 yellow cards. Daniel Kearns (groin) and Kevin Braniff (flu) will be assessed ahead of the game. New signing Ian Morris is in contention at least for a place on the bench.

Glenavon has won both the games against the Mallards so far this season, winning 1-0 at Ferney Park with the only goal coming from Cooper before inflicting a heavy 5-1 defeat at Mourneview Park, Fabio O’Brien scoring a hat-trick. The Dubliner has had to wait for his opportunity and has shown his striker’s instinct in abundance since coming into the side as Eoin Bradley continues his lengthy ban.