Sky Blues missing ‘rock’ Albert for Glens clash

The name of Albert Watson will be missing from the United team-sheet for the Showgrounds clash (3pm) for the first time this season as the central defender serves a one-match ban after accumulating five yellow cards.

Watson - a strong contender for United’s player of the season when then accolades are handed out at the end of the season - had previously boasted a 100 per cent appearance record for the Sky Blues this term, along with team-mates Michael Smith and Gary McCutcheon.

“Albert will be a big loss for us on Saturday because he has been our defensive rock, our Mr Consistency this season,” Walker told Times Sport.

“No matter who plays in there, it will seem strange not seeing Albert in the centre of our defence.

“In this age, where defenders are scarcely allowed to tackle, it’s no mean feat for a centre-back to reach this stage of the season without a suspension and Albert’s most recent yellow card was for dissent, when he lost his cool about a decision.”

Back-up midfielder George Young will also be sidelined against the Glens for the same reason but it is the absence of Watson which will be most keenly felt as United face a crucial game in their quest to finish in the top six and earn some lucrative fixtures in the latter part of the season.

The battle for fifth and sixth place heated up further at the weekend with surprise away wins for Coleraine and Portadown, but Walker insists his side’s destiny is still in their own hands.

“If I had been given the choice of picking any result, it would have been Lisburn Distillery losing to Crusaders because had they won, they would have fifth place almost wrapped up - as it is, both fifth and sixth spots are still very much up for grabs.

“I have said all along there will be plenty of twists and turns and with some of the teams challenging for those places still having to play each other, if we can continue to pick up points, we stand every chance of reaching the top six.

“We are very focused on what we have to do and I want the players to be desperately single-minded this week and not listen to what is being said or written elsewhere.”

The postponement of last Saturday’s game at Dungannon - it will now be played next Tuesday, March 22 - could be a blessing in terms of additional recovery time for injured players including Gavin Taggart, Aaron Stewart and Aaron Boyd, none of whom would have been fit last weekend. However, there is concern that striker Andy Smith may be a long-term absentee as investigations continue into his shin injury.

Meanwhile, Walker says he has yet to have a full “debrief” from Kilmarnock assistant boss Kenny Shiels on how United duo Michael Smith and Eamonn Murray performed during their trial with the SPL club but the initial indications are that both gave good accounts of themselves.

Saturday’s match against Glentoran will be sponsored by Stirling Trophies, Queen Street, while the match ball sponsor is Hilltop Feeds, Old Ballymoney Road.

The Development Committee Club Shop is having a one-day sale at Saturday’s match. Adult away shirts are reduced to £30.00 and Kids away shirts to £20.00 [a £10.00 saving]. Also adult tracksuits are reduced to £40.00 [a £15.00 saving].

Paramount BUSC holds its March monthly table quiz in Ballymena Bowling Club this Friday, March 18, starting at 8.30pm. William Graham is this month’s quizmaster.