Glenavon can confirm that the club has signed defender Bobby Deane.

The six-foot, left sided centre half, who can also play in midfield, was formerly on the books of Derry City and Lincoln City.

The 19-year-old spent last season with Dergview, scoring six goals from left back and left centre half.

“He’s a big, strong boy who is technically very good,” Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton said.

“He was at Lincoln City when he turned 16 but unfortunately for him Covid held him back and he’s had a difficult time.

“Bobby spent pre-season at Coleraine but Oran Kearney felt it would be more beneficial for him to play men’s football rather than U20s as they had just signed Jarvis from Larne.

“He’s had a really good season at Dergview and by all accounts he’s been tipped as one of the best prospects in the league.

“We’ve had him watched by people that I trust and we’ve brought him up and he’s trained with us, so we’ve seen him with our own eyes.

For 19-years-old he looks to have good potential.
“He reminds me as the same type of player as a Micheal Glynn where he’s tactically very good and left footed – he can play with both but he’s predominantly left footed.

“From what we’ve seen of him in training we think he could actually play left wing or centre midfield as well but we’ll get a better look in pre-season, get him some game time and find out his best position.”

The news comes ahead of tonight’s European play-off semi-final against Glentoran at the Oval (7.45pm).

Providing an update on the injury front, Gary stated: “Obviously, Mark Haughey is out long term while Conor McCloskey is out with a hamstring injury. Marc Matthews is out too and unfortunately we’ve lost Calum Birney with a groin injury.

“There’s also a huge doubt over Jack Malone, so we’ve been hit hard this week.

“It is what it is and we’ll just get on with it.”

Supporters are reminded that tonight’s game is an all-ticket affair, with tickets available through Glentoran’s website.

Anyone who has issues with the steps on Dee Street Bridge can use the first street when you enter Mersey Street – it is called Armitage Place.

Also definitely no cash sales and be mindful when parking in front of driveways.