When the Cayman Islands international arrived at Mourneview Park and requested a chance to show what he could do few expected him to be the revelation that he proved to be between the sticks.

“I got a scholarship to play football in America with Leigh University in Tennessee,” he said. “It was quality as there were guys from all over the world. South Africa, England, Honduras, everywhere you could think of.

“After that I came over here and I played a few games for Donegal Celtic Seconds at the end of the season. I was then out running one day and I saw the Glenavon lads training and I asked if I could train with them and that was it.”

Tuda’s good form for Glenavon was recently rewarded with a call-up to his national side for the World Cup qualifiers against Bermuda and this honour is due to be repeated in the coming weeks,

“I’m going home to play in the Carribbean Cup,” Tuda told the Mail. “We’re playing three games against St Martin, Bermuda and Guyana.

“Bermuda actually put us out of the World Cup qualifiers. We had a good game against them but in the second half we just didn’t finish our chances.

“It will be a good re-match against Bermuda but to be honest I don’t know that much about St Martin or Guyana.

“The standard of football with the international team would be higher than that of the Irish League and there are some very talented players but I’m definitely enjoying my time at Glenavon.

“So far things are going alright but I haven’t started off this season very well.

“I’m excited about the team and the new guys so I’m looking to finish in the top six - definitely! There is no reason why we can’t challenge in the cups as well.

“We have the quality and the pre-season games have been brilliant. I’m definitely looking to challenge for the cups!”

Tuda’s Player of the Season performances last year not only brought international recognition but also led to reported interest from the league champions Linfield. However, Murphy was keen to play down any interest and reiterated his desire to stay at Mourneview Park.

“I was not officially linked with Linfield. It was all blown up a bit as we didn’t have any official talks or anything. I wasn’t interested; I was more interested in staying loyal to Glenavon.”

Despite the fact that Tuda was Glenavon’s Player of the Season last term, competition has been brought in for the goalkeeper’s spot in the form of Robert Robinson.

“Competition is a good thing. Everyone needs competition and I thrive on it myself. You get relaxed if you don’t have that competition but if you do have it then you’re pushing him and he’s pushing you so it’s always good to have that.

“It’s definitely a stronger squad this year. We have great players and good forwards. It’s a good team all over the park and even the guys on the bench are quality as well.