Player of the Round award for Tommons

But the Queen's student is finally getting back to the form which made him one of the Bannsiders' star men last term. This week he was named The CIS Cup Young Player of the Round for his star performance against Cliftonville in the quarter finals.

He told Times Sport that the award came as a surprise, but that he's hoping to build on it and claim a regular spot in the starting line up again.

"I was very surprised to pick up the award mainly because I should have done a lot better in the second game," said Gareth.

"In the first game the team performed very well and Darren Boyce scored one of the best goals I've ever saw. Rory (Patterson) was ruled out for that game so it was nice to get the nod.

"The manager told me before the game i was going to be playing up front because I had pace to get in behind the defence. I was shocked at first but then focused on the game and tried to put in a performance for the manager and the team. It was a great day and a enjoyable game."

Gareth missed out at the start of the season through injury and the form of Eunan O'Kane, but after impressing against Crusaders on Saturday the Limavady teenager is determined to stay in the team.

"My mind wasnt fully focused at the start of the year due to university and regaining fitness after that very early thigh strain I picked up," he said. "But I am fully focused now and determined to get back into the team which is hard because they are playing very well.

"But there is a lot of big games coming up and all I can do for the moment is train hard and hopefully impress the manager if he gives me a chance."

So how does Gareth rate the Bannsiders chances of making it to the final?

"We are confident, we know Dungannon are a good side and they beat us earlier in the season when they were on a good run. But we beat them in October so we have every chance. I have not experienced a final before and it's something I'd really like to be involved with."