Lurgan Blues back after short break

Manager Gary Hamilton has also arranged a double header of matches with Derry City and Welsh Premier League club Llandudno.

“It has been a short break, but qualifying and playing in Europe is massive for the club,” said Hamilton.

“The good thing is the boys will still be pretty fit because we are back so soon. We will hold our first training session on Saturday and I’m delighted we have top opposition in Derry City and Llandudno to help in our preparations.

“The plan is hopefully to fit another game in on the Saturday before the first leg of our Europa League tie, but we are still working on that one.”

The Derry game is on Friday, June 17 with a 7.45pm start and the following day, the game against the Welsh visitors has a noon kick-off.

“Having the games so close together means everyone will get 90 minutes. A few players are on holidays but that will give the younger players a chance to play against top opposition. It will be a big season for some of our promising young kids and to have them involved will be good for them,” added the manager.

The club are working hard to secure Daniel Kearns on a contract, the player is off on holidays this week, but manager Hamilton is keen to get the issue sorted when Daniel returns.

The only stumbling block to him remaining at Glenavon could be a return to England, but the fans will be hoping the talented striker will agree to stay.