Celtic player on the move to Glentoran

Chris Lavery - on his was to Glentoran in January.

The 25-year-old will join Alan Kernaghan’s side in January when the transfer window opens.

Lavery, whose previous clubs include Glenavon and Dungannon Swifts, was Celtic’s play of the year last season as the club achieved promotion to Championship 1.

Lurgan Celtic manager Colin Malone has mixed emotions about Lavery’s move, but is delighted for the player.

“It’s a blow for us to lose a player like Chris,” said Malone. “He is a quality player but it is a great chance for him and neither I or the club would ever stand in the way of a move like this.

“Often when players move on from Lurgan Celtic it is to a lower league, but in this case Chris is making the step up and everyone at the club is delighted for him.

“Glentoran have been fantastic about the whole issue too. I met with Alan Kernanghan last week and everything has been agreed. Portadown were also interested but Chris has decided on the Oval and he certainly has the ability to be a success in the Premier League.

“It also shows that Lurgan Celtic are playing at a level now that if a young player does catch the eye then they are in the shop window and the bigger clubs will take notice.”

Glentoran fans can take a look at Chris Lavery in action as our video clip shows this fantastic goal he recently scored against Larne.