Local lad Gary, who lives just around the corner from Mourneview Park, has just finished his first year at University where he is studying Marketing. The 20 year-old was a member of Glenavon’s treble-winning Under 16 squad that went through the whole 2003-2004 season unbeaten, winning the League and two Cup competitions, thanks in no small measure to Gary’s fantastic 31 goal haul in a season that also saw him attract attention at the Milk Cup.

He then moved across to Scottish football with Falkirk before returning to the Irish League with Portadown in 2005. He represented NI Schools at Under 18 and he has also played for NI at Under 19 level.

“I’ve supported Glenavon from I was a youngster and I’ve always wanted the chance to come back here again.” Gary enthused. “Stevie McBride spoke to me and I was very interested to hear what he had to say. Talking to him and Adrian Teer convinced me to come here. Glenavon’s a Club on the up, with great potential and I’d love to win things here.

“I’m aiming to get myself established in the squad and then push on and see what we can do. It was hard to nail down a regular place in the Portadown team last season even though my goals ratio was quite good but I just didn’t get the opportunities that I needed. I felt it was time to move on and try to establish myself in an Irish League Club and Glenavon is the best chance for me to do that.”.