GLENAVON: Nothing artificial about Gary Hamilton's praise for Institute

The Lurgan Blues will get back into domestic duty after the international break by visiting newly-promoted Institute aiming to maintain the encouraging start to the Danske Bank Premiership campaign.

A tally of 10 points from five league fixtures has left Glenavon with a promising platform. Institute can point to a mixed return of two wins, draws and defeats over six senior appearances - but the successful overall transition from the Bluefin Sport Championship drawing praise from Hamilton.

“It used to disrupt our preparations and momentum but I think we managed to go unbeaten on 3G surfaces last season,” said Hamilton. “However, we can expect a tough test against an Institute side without defeat at The Brandywell and not having even conceded a single goal.

“I watched Institute against Cliftonville and they were excellent, with some really promising play in a defeat when the scoreline did not reflect the performance.

“The fact we have such a young squad now allows us to adapt better to a 3G pitch and prevent as much strain on muscle injuries.”

Glenavon’s youth boost arrives with some drawbacks, however, in the area of game management.

“I think at times this season we have struggled at the start of games and someone like Sammy Clingan is ideal to know how to dictate and analyse a match tempo,” said Hamilton. “He brings that big-game experience which can prove invaluable at times, so it is great to have him back training.”

Institute manager Paddy McLaughlin is fully focused on Saturday despite speculation this week linking him to the Coleraine manager’s job.

“It’s what they (the players) do out on the pitch that gets people saying good things about me as a manager,” said McLaughlin. “We have been on a great journey over the past 18 months and I don’t want that journey to end now.

“Everyone at the club has worked their socks off to get us to the Premiership.

“We are a tight unit and I would like to think I am part of that unit and I see no reason to change that now.

“I feel like we’ve got something good building and we’ve started the season well, I’ve been so proud of how the players have played.”