Glenavon primed and ready to go

Glenavon are primed and ready to go as the new season kicks off on Saturday with Cliftonville the visitors to Mourneview Park.
Mark Sykes and James Singleton all set for the start of the season.Mark Sykes and James Singleton all set for the start of the season.
Mark Sykes and James Singleton all set for the start of the season.

Manager Gary Hamilton is aiming for a winning start, but even before a ball is kicked up to four first team players could be ruled out.

James Singleton is serving a two match suspension, Gareth McKeown, Andy Kilmartin and Ciaran Martyn are injured.

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Of the injured trio, Kilmartin is the one who might just make it and Hamilton will leave it to the last minute to see if he is okay.

Martyn will be out for a few weeks after picking up a calf injury in the recent game at Ards Rangers.

“To lose both Andy and Ciaran is a blow as they have been the lynchpin of our midfield, but I look at it as their absence give someone else a chance and if they come in and do well they will hold on to the shirt.”

Hamilton, who has played more of the pre-season games this season than last year, is not planning to play too many games if any at all this season.

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“I hope I don’t have to play at all,” he added. “I am registered to play but have basically been keeping myself right in case I am needed for injury and suspensions. If I have to start games then it is because we have a problem. I am hoping the guys up front will play well enough so I don’t have to come on. I really don’t see myself starting any game.”

Towards the end of last season the player manager was advised not to play on and to retire after a scan revealed a series of injuries that would require surgery to clear up.

He did play on and showed he can still be a huge influence in a game.

The William Walker Supporters Club will hold their AGM in their clubrooms on August 14.

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