Watch more of what Michael O’Connor had to say on our YouTube channel by clicking here. 

Gary Hamilton says that Michael O’Connor will be “a leader” and “a winner” who will bring much to our midfield.

In the second part of our interview with Gary about our latest signing, he set out the attributes that he thought the Northern Ireland international would bring to the team.

Michael O’Connor has joined Glenavon. Picture: Maynard Collins.

“Michael is a combative midfielder who likes tackling but he’s also good going forward. If you look at his record he has scored in every seven or eight games from centre midfield,” said Gary.

“He’s got a good long range shot and he’s scored at Anfield – there’s not too many of us can say that!

“He sees a pass and he’s technically very good as you would have to be to play at that level for that amount of time, as well as having that hunger and desire to stay in England for that amount of time.”

Gary said that when he, along with assistant manger Paul McAreavey, approached Michael, “it was a very easy conversation to have” with their new signing.

“He decided to move home at the end of last season for his family and has moved to Glenavy, so obviously we are quite close for him,” explained Gary.

“We went out and met him for a chat and you could see it wasn’t about money for him. It’s refreshing to see because I’ve been talking to Irish League players who have been asking for more money than what Michael is taking. That has to be pointed out because it speaks volumes of the man.

“Hopefully it will be a very successful signing for Glenavon.”

As for the player himself, he said he can’t wait to get going.

“It’s been five months since I last kicked a ball so I’m a bit stiff after these last two sessions I had done, but I’m just happy to get going and I can’t wait to get fit and get the season started,” Michael told glenavonfc.com.

“I trained last Thursday and on Saturday and I’ve been impressed. They’re a great bunch of lads and they’re a lot fitter than what I thought they would be because of lockdown.

“The more I’ll train the more I’ll get to know them but so far, so good.”

Stay tuned for an interview with another of our new signings, Sean Ward, coming here soon!

Michael O’Connor has joined Glenavon. Picture: Maynard Collins.

Michael O’Connor has joined Glenavon. Picture: Maynard Collins.