Glenavon bidding to keep Euro tie alive

Gary Hamilton has been doing his homework on Europa League opponents KR Reykjavik.
Glenavon in a training session on Wednesday night.Glenavon in a training session on Wednesday night.
Glenavon in a training session on Wednesday night.

With the news breaking this week of the manager and his coaching staff departing the Icelandic club, Hamilton feels that news could not have come at a worse time.

“I have a contact in Iceland keeping me up to date, but we knew the previous manager liked to play 4-3-3 and now that could all change under the new man,” said Hamilton.

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“Now we are going into a bit of the unkown - I would have preferred the changes had not happened, but we will just have to get on with it.

“They played and beat Cork City last year, so I have been in contact with Cork manager John Caulfield. KR have about six players from those games who are still playing, but with a new manager coming in that could all change.

“They are not having a great start to the season, but they are still a very strong side. They have ex-internationals in the team, they are full-time and are ten games into their domestic season.

“The players will be also be out to prove to the new manager that they have a future at the club.”

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A draw away from home would be a great result, but Hamilton will not approach the game in a negative way.

“We always play at a high tempo and I don’t think it is right to ask the players to change for a one off game.

“We were in Iceland two seasons ago and seen what the standard is like. We were only 1-0 down going in the latter stages before two late goals killed us off. We had been hampered in our preparations on that occasion and overall I didn’t feel they were that much better than us.

“I believe we are a better squad this time around and hopefully the boys can put in a performance that sets up a big night at Mourneview Park for our fans.”

Kevin Braniff and David Elebert both miss the first leg through injury, while Andy McGrory and Declan O’Brien are on holiday. The game has an 8.15pm kick-off.

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