Glenavon’s challenging start to the new season continues on Tuesday night when Linfield provide the opposition at the National Stadium, Windsor Park. Despite the team’s disappointing result against Glentoran and below-par defensive display at Solitude, Gary Hamilton is hopeful of an improvement.

“There is no harder fixture than a trip to Windsor Park,” he commented. “Linfield are always very tough opponents. I am sure they will be no different this time. But it gives us a chance to get last weekend out of our system and, hopefully, get back to the form we showed in the opening match against the Glens.”

Gary felt that, by its first half mistakes at the back, the team didn’t give itself a chance to compete against Cliftonville. “When you are playing a top six club you cannot make basic errors,” he continued. “If you do, you will have a mountain to climb. That’s what happened. Our defence was very solid in the first game at Mourneview, but really struggled at Solitude. It goes without saying that we need to be a lot, lot better on Tuesday night.”

The Glenavon boss reported no new injury concerns ahead of the trip to South Belfast. He was encouraged that Calum Birney came through the second half against the Reds unscathed as he battles back to full fitness. “Calum played for part of the Reserves’ match last Monday and again on Saturday. He is gradually building up his sharpness again.”