Cooper signs two year deal with Glenavon

The 19-year-old, who has been with Balyclare Comrades for the past two seasons, played and impressed in Glenavon’s friendly at Loughgall on Wednesday night.

Hamilton was thrilled at completing the deal on Thursday especially as Glentoran had offered Joel a contract and Linfield were also on his trail.

“I’m delighted Joel has come on board,” said the Glenavon boss. “He is winger who is direct and uses his pace to get by defenders. He is also a Glenavon fan which comes from his grandfather who never misses a game.

“When you have a player that wants to come and play for the club it is a massive boost. He is another bright and promising young player with bags of potential and it again brings the average age of the squad down.

“We have Mark Sykes, Rhys Marshal, James Singleton, Matty Lynch, Andrew Drylie, Josh Lynch, the list goes on. Joel and the young players are the future of this club.”

Joel is not only a pacy and direct winger but he can also play at left back. He played in the Northern Ireland Regions Cup team and only a few weeks ago was watching in the stands when Glenavon played the home leg of the Europa League tie.