Target to increase gap and knock Coleraineout of the Euro race

Gary Hamilton’s side can increase the gap over Coleraine to eight points, but a home win will put Oran Kearney’s side right back in the chase.

Glenavon will be without Joel Cooper and Mark Sykes, both on international duty, also out is Andy Kilmartin who completes his two match suspension.

“There is a big incentive for us on Saturday,” said boss Gary Hamilton. “If we win the eight point gap might be too much for Coleraine to claw back considering the games in the split involve the top six teams. It’s not impossible, but it would be tough to do.

“That is what we have to aim for, get the win and keep the pressure on Cliftonville and Linfield too.

“With Joel (Cooper) and Mark (Sykes) away on international duty it means we once again have to use the squad to its fullest. That is something we have managed to do very well this season. Last season we would not have been able to do just as well. It’s all about having a strong squad and having players who can play in several positions is also an added bonus.”

On Easter Tuesday the Lurgan Blues host Ballymena United with a 7.45pm start.

“Our results against Ballymena recently have been very good, but with a new manager on board we know it will be tougher than ever.

“With four points from two games since David Jeffrey arrived they will come here confident they can get a result. We have to be at our best to prevent them.”