Shane talks continue

McCabe is committed to playing Gaelic football for Fermanagh and so, only has a two-month window over September and October in which he can play soccer. However, that has not put off suitor Gary Hamilton, who is keen to add his former Glentoran team-mate to his ranks.

What could halt the move is the transfer fee that Portadown are requesting, which is simply too much according to the Glenavon boss.

“We’ve talked about Shane,” confirmed Hamilton. “He can only play in September and October but when somebody of Shane’s ability becomes available, even if it is only for that period, you try and do something about it.

“Portadown are asking for a fee though and at the minute we haven’t come to an agreement. At the end of the day, we can’t pay over the odds for a player who is only going to play for two months.

“At this minute in time, talks are ongoing but we’re not in agreement in terms of the value of the player. We’ve spoke to Shane and he understands that the fee is a lot of money for two months but if we can come to an agreement before the window closes on Friday that would be great.

“I’ve played with Shane and I know what a good player he is. He’s a winner and another player that other guys will learn from. Even it was for two months, it would be a good boost for the club.”

Should the two clubs not agree a fee for the midfielder, it is rumoured that Portadown will terminate his contract after the transfer window closes, enabling him only to play Amateur League football.

Meanwhile, Orman Okunaiya has rejoined Glenavon to begin his second spell at the club.

The quick winger has signed an amateur contract after recently being on trial at Mourneview Park. Okunaiya left the club three years ago before joining Ballymena United and Hamilton says it is up to him to make a success of his second spell.

“He just wants a chance to play football so he’s signed and he’ll be available for the Reserves on Wednesday night,” the boss said.

“It’s up to him to make an impression to get into the first team squad. If he catches our eye in the Reserves, he’ll be brought up. We’ll see how he gets on.

“He’s got immense pace, which is hard to deal with as a full-back but it’s no good if you don’t know what to do at the end of it.

“Orman has got the ability to know what to do at the end but the issue we have is that he dribbles too much and comes inside. We want him to get to the line and get balls into the box.

“We’ve had a good chat with him and explained to him what we want so it’s up to him to do it.”

“Orman has a lot of ability and No defender likes to play against pace. It’s using that pace to the full potential and we’ve told him (Okunaiya) how we think he can do that.”