David Healy programme notes

Posted : 21st November 2020

Today we are sure to face a formidable challenge from a Glenavon team who have recruited well over the summer months and who showed in their draws with both Glentoran and Coleraine, that they are going to be tough opponents for all teams this season.

In Gary Hamilton, they have an astute manager who knows this league inside out and who will be keen to build on their recent 2-0 win away to Ballymena United.

In recent weeks, we have recorded very pleasing league wins against Crusaders, Portadown and Coleraine. I've been delighted with the will to win displayed by our players in each of the games and in particular, I was especially pleased with our performance in last week's win at what is always a tough venue in Coleraine.

Our midfield duo of Stephen Fallon and Kyle McClean and our central defensive partnership of Mark Haughey and Jimmy Callacher were particularly impressive and in Jordan Stewart, we had a real talent causing all sorts of problems for defenders.

I was pleased to welcome Christy Manzinga back to the squad for last week's game in Coleraine, after recovering from the injury he sustained in a pre-season friendly game and I hope he will be even stronger now, after another week's training and recovery under his belt.

We will welcome Ross Larkin and Shayne Lavery back to the squad, following their midweek trip to the Ukraine with the international under 21 squad. Bastien Hery has returned from his international double header with Madagascar against the Ivory Coast but he remains suspended today, after the red card he picked up in Portadown.

I was disappointed to lose the County Antrim Shield semi-final against Larne but after a promising start, the red card picked up by Stephen Fallon meant it was always going to be an uphill challenge against one of the leading sides this season and so unfortunately, we exited the competition.

Jamie Mulgrew, Mark Stafford and Alex Moore have missed recent games due to injury but we are hopeful of having them back for contention very soon.

Congratulations to Kirk Millar who was named October Player of the Month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association, following a series of impressive displays.

Congratulations to Mark Haughey who made his 200th appearance for this club in last week's game in Coleraine and to Jimmy Callacher who's in line to make his 250th appearance today.

We've made a pleasing start to the season with five wins from our opening five league games but we are not getting carried away, as we know there are many huge and difficult games ahead. The spirit in the camp is first class at present and the attitude of everyone has been positive and professional.

Of course, we've missed so many of our supporters at many of our games and whether you have been watching us live, or in the various live streams, I hope our results and performances have been giving a boost to everyone through the difficult times we are all navigating our way through at present
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