The little Scot who made his name with Portadown, was to be followed to Mourneview Park by another striker, expected to arrive in a matter of days.

The 28 year old Fraser signed a one year contract moving from Derry City for an undisclosed fee. Fraser who joined Portadown from Hamilton Accies in 1989 was virtually a local man living in Richhill and working in Lurgan.

He was certain to be included in the squad for the second leg Ulster Cup tie with Omagh Town at Mourneview the following Saturday. His capture could not have been better timed with centre forward Glenn Ferguson on the injured list with a broken toe.

There was said to be even hotter competition for front line places with a second new striker likely to be on board ahead of the second round Ulster Cup tie with Coleraine.

Glenavon have still to qualify of course, and need to beat Omagh Town, by whom they were held to a draw at St Julians Road, to do so.

Blues Manager Nigel Best, considering several options, including spreading the net to the Continent, reached agreement with a so far un-named player.

There were a few loose ends to tie up but Best was hopeful of having the formalities concluded in time for the Tuesday night game. “We are taking nothing for granted and Omagh have to be beaten first but it should be within our scope,” he said.

The manager had been working overtime to strengthen his attacking power and was confident the new men would do the trick.

Fraser had an outstanding goal scoring pedigree with more than 100 to his credit at Shamrock Park, and could not wait to get started.

He was the third Derry City player to join the Blues in that last year, linking up with goal keeper Dermot O’Neill and central defender Stuart Gauld.

There was also to be another familiar face in the Glenavon dressing-room when the nippy Sandy strips for action, midfielder Tony Shepherd with whom he played at Portadown.

Fraser was the second capture made by manager Best building up to the premier league championship since the campaign started with former Manchester City defender Joe Harkin slotted in at right back.

Glenavon supporters needed no reminding of the goal stealth of the Scot who invariably made them suffer in derby matches. “I always enjoyed playing against them,” he said. Now the foot is on the other boot.