Traynor aware of ‘tricky’ Glenavon

COLERAINE defender Aaron Traynor has labelled tomorrow’s opponents Glenavon as ‘tricky’ as the Bannsiders host the Lurgan Blues at The Showgrounds…

Oran Kearney’s men responded from their first defeat in 18 matches against Cliftonville in fine style as they sealed a 2-0 success against Larne last Tuesday night.

Traynor – who had missed recent fixtures due to injury – was drafted back into the starting line-up in midweek and deputised in a back three alongside Aaron Canning and Stephen O’Donnell.

“To be honest, it probably took me a while to get going as I haven’t even trained for a few weeks, probably just before the Crusaders game,” he said.

“I felt a couple of injuries on the one leg so I was worried about it.

“It was good to get back in, every one helped me out and it was a big shift by every player involved which helped me out.

“It was weird playing as a centre-half as I haven’t been playing for a few weeks.

“I have played in that position a few times over the last year or so and it wasn’t too bad as I had Snowy and big Stephen O’Donnell beside me.

“They kept me on my toes which was good.”

Traynor was full of praise for Ian Parkhill and Ronan Wilson who both operated as wing backs against Tiernan Lynch’s troops.

“They done a monster shift,” Traynor added.

“The two of them helped the back three massively and it was fitting for Ronan to get Man of the Match as I thought his delivery into the box for Curtis’ goal was excellent, as was his work rate and tackling.

“It seemed to lift him up another gear and that was great to see.

“Ian put in a lot of mileage which made my job easier so credit to the both of them.”

Glenavon travel to the North Coast tomorrow afternoon and Traynor acknowledged that they will have to keep former striker Matthew Fitzpatrick quiet as he has netted in his last five games.

“They are very tricky opposition,” he continued.

“We went there earlier in the season and everything was going rosy at 4-2, but they came back, so they have got character and can score goals.

“Obviously big Matthew Fitzpatrick who was here is now starting to score.

“They have threats all over the pitch so we have to be ready for another big test.”

With the Bannsiders in action seven times during the month of April, Traynor is hoping to make up for lost time after his recent injury setback.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect to play against Larne,” he concluded.

“We had a few injuries and when I got the call, I wasn’t going to say no.

“The schedule is hard on the body but there are boys in the changing room who have done a lot more miles than me and are feeling the aches and the pains.

“Alan and the backroom staff are doing everything they can to wheel boys out and they’re turning in good performances which is good to see.”