IRISH LEAGUE: Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton preparing for crucial period

The Lurgan Blues moved into third spot in the table following last week’s 1-0 win against Ballinamallard United.

Hamilton came off the bench to bag a vital late goal, one which has boosted the Mourneview Park club’s European prospects.

Glenavon travel to Coleraine – who lie fifth in the table – on Saturday, and then on Easter Tuesday entertain a Ballymena United side that has been galvanised following the arrival of David Jeffrey.

“Saturday is a massive game for us. If we can beat Coleraine then we will push them eight points behind us,” Hamilton said.

“We have to try and keep Coleraine at arm’s length, and we also want to make sure we keep up the pressure on Cliftonville and Linfield.”

Glenavon will be without Joel Cooper and Mark Sykes who are both on international duty, while Andy Kilmartin completes a two-match suspension.

“With Joel (Cooper) and Mark (Sykes) away on international duty it means we once again have to use the squad to its fullest,” Hamilton said.

“We also have Ballymena on Tuesday. Our results against them recently have been very good, but with a new manager on board we know it will be tougher than ever.

“With four points from two games since David Jeffrey arrived they will come here confident they can get a result.

We have to be at our best to prevent them.”