Blues move in for McCabe

PORTADOWN and Glenavon have kicked off negotiations over a possible return to Mourneview Park for Shane McCabe.

McCabe walked out on the Ports in January to focus his efforts on Fermanagh’s gaelic football programme.

Gary Hamilton, McCabe’s former Glentoran team-mate, has made an approach to Portadown over the midfielder’s availability for a surprise Irish League comeback.

McCabe previously spent time in Lurgan and it is understood that Portadown remain open to a deal – but only under the right circumstances.

The midfielder’s shock January departure from Shamrock Park resulted in the Ports placing McCabe under suspension due to breach of contract.

McCabe is now in the final year of his deal but sources have indicated Portadown will only agree to a switch if Glenavon can produce an adequate financial package.

“Glenavon made contact over the possibility of signing Shane McCabe and those negotiations remain open,” said the Ports boss, Ronnie McFall. “We hold his registration so would want suitable compensation for a player still under contract to this club.

“We have to wait and see how everything develops but remain open to discussions.”

McFall’s immediate focus is on getting his side back to winning ways tonight (Friday) against Coleraine at home.

Saturday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Donegal Celtic proved a stumbling block off the back of the opening weekend’s result against Lisburn Distillery.

That 4-2 defeat of Distillery arrived on home soil and McFall is hoping for another Shamrock Park success tonight.

“We anticipate a tough match so only 100 per cent focus will allow us to get anything from the Coleraine fixture,” said the Ports boss. “Everyone seemed to come out of the Donegal Celtic match without any problems, although Jamie Tomelty remains unavailable following an injection designed to repair groin trouble.

“Chris Ramsey is out with his ruptured hamstring so we need to see how everyone feels after Coleraine before making decisions on players for Monday’s League Cup tie at home to Dundela.”

Kick-off tonight (Friday) will be 8 o’clock, with the Dundela match set to start at 7.45.