Hoping forLinfield win

GLENAVON boss Gary Hamilton says he would rather face Linfield than Crusaders in the next round of the Irish Cup.

The Blues have been handed a tough draw for the sixth round, away to either holders Linfield or last season’s runners-up Crusaders on Saturday, February 9. The pair drew 2-2 at Windsor Park on Saturday and will replay on Tuesday night.

Hamilton was far from pleased at the draw but did give his support to Linfield for that replay as he looks to avoid Crusaders’ artificial surface, on which his side were beaten 5-1 in November.

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“It’s not a good draw,” he said. “There were eight lower league teams we could have drawn so to come out with the draw that we got is a big blow.

“I’d have taken any draw except Cliftonville or Crusaders away. If you’re going to win the competition, you’ll have to beat the top teams at some stage but we didn’t want to draw those teams away.

“We’re hoping that Linfield will beat Crusaders in the replay and give us a game on a grass pitch that doesn’t give an advantage to either side. If that doesn’t happen, we’ll give it our best go anyway but it would be nice to get onto a grass pitch.”