Stewart signs but move for Hamilton put on hold

Stewart has recently been training with the squad and after an unsuccessful trial at Crewe was due to sign on at Mourneview Park last night (Wednesday).

However, after rumours of a potential move to the club for local lad Gary Hamilton again surfaced, it appears this has been put on hold, at least temporarily due to a knee injury.

Club boss Marty Quinn admits to being a huge admirer of the 29 year-old Glentoran striker but was the boss considering him a transfer target before the injury?

“No comment,” he replied.

Well then could Hamilton ever become a Glenavon target in future transfer windows?

“Let’s put it like this, I’m a Gary Hamilton fan; I’m a big fan of his. I think he’s an excellent player and I think I could get a lot out of him,” replied Quinn.

“He is out for a couple of months with a knee injury so that obviously puts everything to bed now. I haven’t got permission from Glentoran to talk to Gary and I haven’t spoken to him.”

Therefore Quinn’s only signing this week will be 19 year-old Stewart who rejoins the club after an ultimately frustrating two year stint at Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen. The boss is hopeful that the young midfielder can make a telling impact on the team in the months to come.

He said: “I’ve agreed terms with Sammy and I’m delighted to have a young lad with his ability on board. I haven’t seen him playing but all the reports from his last spell with Glenavon are good and he’s been training with us on and off for a few weeks and has shown up very well.

“He adds quality, youth and vitality to the squad. He’ll be signing a short-term contract until the window opens again in January and we’ll see how it goes. He’ll be signing on Wednesday night but as to whether we get the relevant paper work cleared or not in time for the weekend is another thing.

“People will ask where he’s going to play but I’ve seen in training that he has versality about him as well and he’ll certainly be coming in to my first team squad right away.”

As to players going the other way through Mourneview Park’s front gate, Quinn is in no hurry to push any of his current crop out.

“There’s nothing happening and it’s not one of my most immediate aims at the moment.”