CONOR Loughrey says Coleraine are expecting a real battle as they visit Glenavon this afternoon…

The Bannsiders are on their travels for the second time this season as they lock horns with the Lurgan Blues at Mourneview Park.

Coleraine come into the fixture after Tuesday night’s 2-0 success against Dungannon Swifts as Declan McManus and Jamie Glackin got on the scoresheet.

Glenavon have failed to pick up any points from their opening three games – but assistant coach Loughrey pointed out that Paddy McLaughlin’s men are playing far better than their league tally shows.

“Their point return this season is a false return,” he said.

“Watching back the Glentoran game…Glenavon were much, much the better side in the first half. I don’t think even Glentoran would argue that.

“Even at Carrick last week, they were having things cleared off the line, so their point return is a false return. We’re expecting a really tough game.

“We’re going to a really good venue. The groundsman does a brilliant job at Glenavon. It’s a really good service and two teams that want to play.

“Paddy will have them right up for it, and we’re preparing for a difficult game, and that’s what we expect.”

Loughrey acknowledged that they will give Jamie Glackin every chance to make today’s encounter after being withdrawn in the second-half against the Swifts.

“Jamie had to go off the other night,” Loughrey added.

So he’s a bit of a doubt, but we’ll give him every chance.

“Other than Glacks, we’re probably close to what we had the other night.

“We’ll give Jamie every chance and we’ll look at it closer to Saturday.”

Supporters can get tickets for today’s game HERE.