GLENTORAN V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD

On Tuesday 5^th March 2024 Glenavon welcomes Glentoran to Mourneview Park for a re-arranged Sports Direct Premiership fixture.

No fewer than seven first team players are likely to be unavailable through injury or suspension. “We have a lot of absentees,” said manager Stephen McDonnell. “It is going to be difficult.”

The seven absentees are Peter Campbell (suspended), Gareth Deane (knee), Isaac Baird (knee), Mark Haughey (knee), Darren Clarke (calf), Gavin Hodgins (sick) and Aaron Prendergast (groin). Peter Campbell is also suspended for the league fixture against Dungannon Swifts.

“We are managing Mark Haughey back from his long-term knee problem,” added Stephen. “Unfortunately, some patience is going to be needed.”

On a more positive note, Calum Birney, Conor McCloskey and Lido Lotefa should all be available.

“It goes without saying that they have a squad stacked with quality,” continued Stephen. “But we remain positive. There are still talented players in our team who are fit and ready for the challenge.

The match against Glentoran is sponsored by Jacquard Gin, a Donacloney-based firm established by former Glenavon director Gregory Berry.

The match ball sponsor is Jack Pringle. Jack also sponsors the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Glentoran has won both its meeting with Glenavon this season – 1-0 at Mourneview Park in August 2023 and 3-1 at the Oval in October 2023.