‘Must win’ games

After a series of encouraging performances which yielded nothing, the next four games give the Lurgan Blues a chance to consolidate their league position.

“It shows how far we have come when we are talking about how we deserved a point against Linfield, Portadown and Cliftonville,” said Hamilton.

“However, the games coming up are the bread and butter for us. These are the games we have to win. It is vital you beat the teams in and around you if you want to stay ahead of them.

“We may not have had any good fortune lately but the effort and commitment was there and that is what we need to repeat when we play Dungannon on Friday night.

“Only that same focus, concentration and hard work will get us through.”

Glenavon’s next four games are Dungannon (away), Institute (home), Coleraine (home) and Ballinamallard (away) - a healthy points target will be set by the manager.

“We are ahead of our target at this stage, but we want to keep it going. But it won’t be easy at Stangmore Park. They are battling for points and it’s a derby so we know what to expect.”

Hamilton is serving a one-match suspension and joining him on the sidelines are William Murphy and Kevin Braniff.

Eoin Bradley returns to lead the line with Kris Lindsay and James Singleton also back.

Striker Darren Foysth is expected to be in the squad if he comes through the midweek training sessions.

n Any Glenavon fans looking for a game to watch on Saturday can take in the Dollingstown v Fivemiletown Mid Ulster Cup tie at Planetrs Park, kick-off 1.30pm.