Kearney tips Glackin to shine

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney believes that midfielder Jamie Glackin can get even better following his hat-trick against Warrenpoint Town last Saturday…

The 24-year-old showed his clinical edge by lobbing ‘Point goalkeeper Mark Byrne in the first-half, before netting with a delightful half volley for his second and he walked away with the match ball after running clear of the home defence to calmly find the back of the net.

It was a first hat-trick in senior football for the former Dungannon Swifts and Crusaders ace, with Kearney explaining that there is even better to come.

“When we lost 3-1 up here in November I singled Jamie out after the game as I thought he was outstanding that day,” he said.

“He was the only player we had who showed courage, tried to get on the ball and make things happen.

“Today at times, particularly in the first half, I was probably frustrated with him more than other players, but you’re going to get that with certain players.

“I shared this with Jamie after the game, that’s why I don’t think it’s being harsh, it’s just the strange game that football is.

“He even admitted it himself because he found it hard to get into the game at times.

“But then he produces three superb finishes and is away with the match ball, which is really hard to do in senior football.”

The treble took Glackin to nine goals for the campaign but Kearney believes that he should be hitting double figures every season.

“I’m delighted for Jamie, it has been a good journey with him this season. it’s one, and I’m not trying to be sore on him, but you just want the best for him,” he continued.

“You see so much potential there and I feel he should be at least a double figures player every season.

“It’s about trying with the best will in the world to get that out of him.

“His first goal is like a finish you would see when you’re 4-0 up not when the game is 0-0.

“The second is a heck of a strike, and the third, as I said to him , he’s never missing it because of the two goals he scored already.

“His shoulders were down and it was 100% going to be a goal.

“It’s great for Jamie and hopefully it’s a real shot in the arm for him and one he’ll kick on from.”