Walker monitors Gage situation amid ‘sectarian’ songs probe

ROY Walker last night said he will monitor under-fire defender Denver Gage’s “state of mind” before deciding whether the player will return to Ballymena United duty this weekend.

The Sky Blues boss insisted that the sectarian songs probe involving Gage will not affect the player’s availability to play - provided he proves that he is focused on football.

The Clough-based centre-back is awaiting the outcome of an Irish FA investigation into the singing of sectarian songs at the recent Scotland v Northern Ireland Carling Nations Cup international in Dublin.

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Media outlets reported at the weekend that the IFA has identified Gage as being present from an internet video clip which shows a small number of Northern Ireland fans singing the songs.

When spoken to by Times Sport, Walker had no comment to make on the allegations surrounding Gage other than to reiterate the club’s weekend statement, which appears later in this story.

However, on the question of whether the defender will play against Donegal Celtic this weekend, the manager said: “My job is to ascertain the suitability of players to play in games.

“There are many factors involved in that, both physical and also a player’s state of mind and how that manifests itself

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“I have spoken to Denver and told him to get his head down and let this other situation unfold around him.

“He played last Saturday when we were aware that something was afoot and he played rightly but I will look at the situation as the week goes on.”

Ballymena issued a statement saying: “It would be premature for Ballymena United to add to speculation, but wish to state that we have been in contact with, and co-operating with, the Irish FA until such times as the allegations are confirmed or otherwise.

“Whilst this matter is under investigation Ballymena United shall be making no further comment.

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“Ballymena United is an equal opportunities club and is committed to the Irish FA’s ‘Football For All’ campaign and UEFA’s Ten Point Plan against racism and sectarianism.”

That has been welcomed by North Antrim SDLP MLA Declan O’Loan who said: “I want to commend Ballymena United for its willingness to cooperate fully with the IFA inquiry. I know that club officials will also be very concerned that a taint of sectarianism could attach to the Club.”

Ironically, the furore comes in the same week that Gage signed a new two-year contract at Ballymena, after impressing in his first season at senior level.

Defender Mark Surgenor and midfielder Gavin Taggart have also signed two-year extensions, while striker Gary McCutcheon has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

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“Because of what has transpired, we’re now looking at certain people who we have to secure on longer deals so as we don’t go through the predicament we went through in January with people second-guessing.

Walker will aim to get the focus back on matters on the field this week as the Sky Blues prepare for a crucial home clash with bottom-of-the-table DC this Saturday (3pm) – a game which could be crucial to United’s hopes of finishing in the top six ahead of next month’s ‘split’.

“We’re liable to take it down to the wire but it’s still very much in our own hands, which is a good place to be.

“We’re glad to have a week with no games to get working with the players in training,” added Roy, who hopes to have defender Aaron Stewart available after hamstring and ankle injuries.

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The monthly Paramount Ballymena United Supporters’ Club table quiz will be held in Ballymena Bowling Club this Friday evening, February 25, at 8.30pm. Quizmaster is Derek Greer and all teams are welcome.