Marshall and Cooper international call forces derby date change

With Glenavon’s Rhys Marshall and Joel Cooper called up for the Northern Ireland U21 squad for games against Scotland and Iceland it means the Mid Ulster derby on Saturday, September 5 at Shamrock Park has been postponed and will now be played on Tuesday, September 22, kick-off 7.45pm.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Aug 2015, 19:50 BST
Joel Cooper - in the NI U21 squad.Joel Cooper - in the NI U21 squad.
Joel Cooper - in the NI U21 squad.

Glenavon were informed on Monday that Marshall and Cooper were in the squad and with James Singleton also on standby they evoked Rule 19 which allows a club to request a postponement if they have two or more players on international duty.

Manager Gary Hamilton is thrilled the pair are called up to Jim Magilton’s U21s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m delighted for Rhys (Marshall) he has been our top player for a while and deserves to be included,” said Hamilton.

“Joel Cooper scored his first goal for the club on Saturday and must have made a big impression on Jim Magilton who was at our game. With James (Singleton) also on standby it is fantastic for Glenavon to have three players so highly rated.”

Chairman Adrian Teer said it was a huge endorsement for the youth policy at the club.

“Huge praise must go to Gary Hamilton and his backroom team for the way they have developed a very successful youth policy at Mourneview Park,” said Teer.

“This is great news for the players involved and the club. With the match against Scotland being held at Mourneview Park it also means with the derby off a lot more fans can come along.”

Related topics:Joel CooperScotlandIcelandMid UlsterGlenavon