Hat-trick the target says Gary

GLENAVON boss Gary Hamilton is still bitten by the Irish Cup bug ahead of today’s last-32 tie with Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.

The Lurgan Blues have lifted the blue riband trophy twice in the past four seasons, beating Ballymena United and Linfield in the 2014 and 2016 finals respectively.

But while Hamilton’s main aim is to secure lucrative European football through the league, he’s also eager to take the Lurgan Blues to another May showpiece.

Hamilton, who celebrated six years in the Lurgan job last month, said: “Winning the league title is very special and goes down as a career highlight, but I’ve always said the Irish Cup final is the biggest day out in local football.

“We’ll probably go into our tie with Carrick as favourites based but I’m under no illusion how tough a challenge it will be.”

While Glenavon are third in the Premiership, Davy Mcalinden’s Carrick lie 10th. It is now 12 games and 74 days since Rangers recorded a victory - a 4-2 win over Dundela in the quarter-finals of the County Antrim Shield in late October.

Elsewhere today, cup holders Linfield host Glebe Rangers at Windsor Park, while Glentoran travel to Lurgan Celtic.

Coleraine, who lie second in the Premiership, host Lisburn Distillery, while Ballymena are at home to Moyola Park.

Cash rich Larne are set to hand debuts to a raft of new signings in an all Championship affair with Dergview at Inver Park, while Portadown host Ballyclare Comrades.

Amateur league clubs Crumlin Star and Immaculata travel to Ards and Ballinamallard United.

SUCCESS Gary Hamilton has led club to two cup wins