Glenavon will be without Conor McCloskey for tonight’s game against Carrick Rangers.

Conor misses out due to picking up five yellow cards during the course of the season, although he will be available for Saturday’s game against Portadown.

The midfielder scored the winning goal in the weekend win over Crusaders, earning the praise of manager Gary Hamilton.

“He’s been excellent for us,” said Gary.

“I think he’s been superb. His assists and goals this season are a big reason why we’ve done as well as we’ve done.

“If we were doing a Player of the Year at the minute, I’d say he would win hands down with all the supporters and probably the staff as well. He’s been so influential for us this season with his contribution in the final third.”

While McCloskey drops out, Glenavon will be boosted by the return of Michael O’Connor, who missed Saturday’s win with Hamilton opting not to risk him on the 4G pitch.

Looking ahead to tonight’s game, Gary said: “We’re on a good run but we’re only one game away from a defeat. That’s the reality of life.

“We have another tough game against a team that we are well used to after the last couple of weeks.

“Carrick went to Seaview and won 3-1 and drew with Linfield so it won’t be easy but if we go into the game with the same hunger and desire that we’ve been showing over the last four or five games then we always stand a chance of getting a result.”

Don’t forget you can see the game on 247.tv/niprem for just £5 (free for season ticket holders). Our coverage gets underway at 7.30pm when Michael Scott will be joined by former Glenavon defender and coach Kris Lindsay to take you through the action. There’s also exclusive interviews with Robbie Garrett and Andy Hall.

SPONSORS

MATCH SPONSORS: The Syndicate 2: Rev. Paul Whittaker, Jeff Magee, Ian Irwin, George Ruddell, Tommy Anderson and Jim Cordner

BALL SPONSORS: Paul Greenfield

MAN OF THE MATCH SPONSORS: Kuba Creative

OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Shane Andrews

ASSISTANT REFEREES: Andrew Nethery, Gavin Hegarty

FOURTH OFFICIAL: Diarmuid Harrigan

LAST TIME OUT: Here’s the highlights from our 4-3 victory over Carrick Rangers at Taylor’s Avenue just a fortnight ago.