Jack Grealish comparisons part of Jamie Glackin’s growing Coleraine role

Similarities between Glackin’s playing style and image with those of the England international have sparked running jokes within the Coleraine camp but Villa fan Kearney is delighted to see the laughs lead to a leading role on the pitch.

Glackin was at the heart of everything in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Shamrock Park - from playing a part as Coleraine hero with his overall influence that included a goal to pantomime villain in front of the Portadown crowd.

“I’m a big Aston Villa fan and love Jack Grealish and know Jamie would be a fan of him as well,” said Kearney. “It’s come up in conversation and the boys have been giving him a bit of banter as well.

“The key thing is, it’s alright those compressions or having that player you look up to but you’ve got to keep delivering.

“Today he was really unplayable and that’s what I’m striving for from Jamie, that ‘nine out of 10’ performance every week.

“He played to the crowd a wee bit, which is not always ideal for a player but Jamie’s a calm lad off the pitch and no longer someone young learning the game, so I’m not worried about him handling that kind of situation.

“In coaching there’s so much talk about one-touch and two-touch but my biggest fight with Jamie all the time is to carry the ball.

“If you look at our penalty, Stewart Nixon crosses the ball (for the handball) but it was set up by Jamie taking nine touches with the ball to get there.

“If Jamie doesn’t make that dribble then we don’t get that cross by Stewart.

“It’s so important, it might not always be clear to the eye or lead to what would be a purist’s goal but the way he gets us up the pitch is so important.”

Glackin admits he is willing to embrace increased responsibility.

“That is my game, me and Oran are really close and he trusts me on the ball and I trust my ability on the ball,” he said. “The more touches I can take can help create space for my team-mates.

“I’ve had a few good games here at Shamrock Park in the past with Dungannon Swifts, I’m delighted to see Portadown back up as a big club, they’ve a lovely ground and set-up and a top manager.

“I don’t think they will have too much to worry about this season, I’d say they will certainly hold their own and stay up.

“For my goal, I’ve been trying to gamble more and get myself into those positions and did that today so was able to swivel on a flick and score.

“I really enjoyed it today on such a good pitch and, thankfully, everything seemed to fall into place.”

Portadown: Pierce, Hall, Finnegan, Lavery (Glenfield, 86), Tipton, Bonis, Murray, Burns, McNally, Teggart (McGrandles, 20), Kerr (Conaty, 73)

Subs (not used): Pengelly, Crane, McCallum, Croskery

Coleraine: Deane, Kane, Doherty, Lowry, McLaughlin, Carson, McConaghie, Tweed, O’Donnell, Glackin (Wilson, 87), Nixon (Allen, 84).

Subs (not used): Gallagher, Douglas, Riley, Tosh, McLean

referee: Keith Kennedy