Sykes can help us write a special chapter: Singleton
DANSKE BANK PREMIERSHIP GLENAVON ace James Singleton expects his team-mate Mark Sykes to seal a move to the professional game but he hopes the midfielder can help write a special chapter in the club’s history before he departs.
Cross channel clubs are keeping a close eye on Northern Ireland Under-21 international Sykes, who has been in stunning form for club and country.
But Lurgan Blues fans don’t want to lose their sparkling diamond just as the team has real momentum in the Danske Bank Premiership.
There may be a long way to go in the title race but Gary Hamilton’s side are leading the charge and are also the league’s top scorers.
“He’s a brilliant player for us and one of the biggest talents in the league,” said Singleton.
“Ever since he came into the first team you could see there was something about him but this season he has really matured as a player, defensively he has looked more disciplined and added more goals and assists to his game.
“He’s an all round midfielder and he definitely has the ability to play across the water but we want him to stay with us as long as possible.
“If he doesn’t make the move I’d be surprised. We don’t want to lose him in January after the start we have made and keeping the squad together will help us keep the good run going.
“Who knows that could happen this season, we won’t say we can win the league but you win as many games as possible and see where it leaves you. Hopefully we can qualify for European football, that’s been our main aim because it’s financially important for the club.”
While there may be a few title whispers among the Glenavon faithful who are daring to dream, you won’t hear that talk in the dressing room.
“People are talking about titles now and it’s far too early... we are 11 games into the league season and the Christmas period is key for all the teams,” suggested the influential 23-year-old.
“You could play Linfield, Crusaders, Ballymena, Coleraine in a matter of a few weeks and only pick up one or two points. From the top of the table, you could fall a few places so you take nothing for granted. Before you know it, you could be down to sixth and something like that happened to us last season.
“I didn’t think at this stage of the seaon we would be sitting at the top of the league. From our 11 games we have won nine, drawn one. It’s the best start to a season in my time at Glenavon and we are just delighted to be up there and playing well, long may it continue.”
Glenavon welcome Newry City to Mourneview Park today in a game which has a 5pm kick-off.
The Lurgan Blues’ start is even more impressive when you consider they have adapted to life without Bobby Burns and Joel Cooper.
“Joel came back from America and he was very good for us towards the end of last season,” added Singleton (right).
“To lose him to a big team like Linfield is a bad thing for the club while Bobby deserved his move to Scotland.
“They are two players we didn’t want to lose but football is like that and the players we have have really stepped up to the mark.
“Ben Doherty has come in from Derry City and he’s been outstanding while Stephen Murray has been in red hot form, hitting two hat-tricks and the team is really gelling.
“The team isn’t changing much because we are winning and we just have to keep it going.”