LARNE V GLENAVON, A LOOK AHEAD 515k4c

On Tuesday 18th February 2025 Glenavon faces Larne at Inver Park. The match kicks off at 7-45 pm. 96a4k

Larne has struggled for consistency in its attempt to win a third consecutive Premiership title. It has lost its last three matches versus Crusaders (0-1), Linfield (0-1) and Portadown (0-2). It is sixth in the league table, a huge 28 points behind the runaway leader, Linfield. Nonetheless, Paddy McLaughlin anticipates a difficult 90 minutes.

“They are a really good side,” he said. “Perhaps they have not been at their best lately. But that does not change the fact that they have some top class players. In addition, they still have an excellent home record. Not many clubs go to Inver Park and pick up points. We will have to be at our very best to take anything from the match.”

The Glenavon boss was delighted with his players’ performance in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Cliftonville. “We were very strong, very dominant all over the park but particularly in midfield. The three young lads, Jack [Malone], Isaac [Baird] and Sean [Carlin], were fantastic. It wasn’t just their quality on the ball. It was also their work rate and aggression off it. Particular credit is due to Sean Carlin. He was outstanding on his first start in the Premiership.”

McLaughlin was also delighted with the forwards’ contribution. “The lads up top were very good,” he continued. “They threatened the Cliftonville defence every time we had possession and, obviously, scored three goals. Earlier in the season the team was struggling in attack but since Colin [Coates], Marty (McCann] and I arrived we have been consistently strong in this department. It has been very encouraging.”

Paddy revealed that the change of defensive structure – the move from two to three central defenders – was a response to the Irish Cup defeat at Solitude. “We reviewed that match closely and felt that we needed to alter one or two things,” he said. “It meant giving the players some new information and asking them to do some things differently. But, to their credit, they took it all on board and executed the plan well. But I wasn’t surprised. We have good defenders.”

The team which started against Cliftonville, and the substitutes’ bench were replete with young talent. McLaughlin says that this is a sign of the future. “We have some top quality teenagers and 20 and 21 year olds,” he said. “We believe in all of them and have no qualms about giving them opportunities. In addition to the eighteen selected at the weekend, we have James Heaney, Ben Wilson, Aaron Heaney and others. Hopefully, we will be able to attract more. But thanks largely to our Academy, there is a conveyor belt of youth. ers want to see talented youngsters. I can assure them that, for the next few years, Glenavon will be a vibrant, exciting young side.”

Paddy confessed that he was slightly surprised how well the team coped without Peter Campbell. The Richhill man missed the match due to suspension. “Whilst I knew that we were bringing in quality players, the team probably exceeded my expectations,” he continued. “But, in my opinion, Peter has been the best player in the league over the last two months. He has been absolutely outstanding. I was disappointed that he did not win the ‘Player of the Month’ award.”

McLaughlin added that Peter is not guaranteed a starting place at Inver Park. “He is ready to play but he is not certain to start. In fact, he has a fight on his hands to get back into the eleven!”

Finally, Paddy reported no fresh injuries and therefore a virtually fully fit squad for the trip to East Antrim. “Everyone who was there on Saturday is available again,” he said. “We are all looking forward to it.”