Irish League club confirm striker to 'take time away for personal reasons'

The former Linfield and Glentoran forward had made 16 Premiership appearances for the Lurgan Blues this season, but wasn’t involved in their 2-1 weekend defeat to Bangor at Mourneview Park – a result which leaves Glenavon still seven points adrift at the bottom.

O’Connor joined Glenavon ahead of last season after a spell in Sweden, where he worked under ex-Irish League striker Thomas Stewart.

He scored four league goals and was a consistent presence under both Stephen McDonnell and Paddy McLaughlin, racking up 37 Premiership appearances.

O’Connor had started 10 Premiership matches this season and his sole senior goal of the campaign came in September’s 4-0 Mid-Ulster Cup win over third-tier Coagh United.

“Glenavon FC are saddened to announce that, following discussions with the club, striker Michael O’Connor has decided to take time away from football for personal reasons,” the Co Armagh club posted in a statement. “We would ask that Michael’s privacy be respected at this time.

"We thank him for his service to the club during his time here and wish him the best in his future.”

It leaves Glenavon light in attacking options after summer signing Francely Lomboto departed last month before David McDaid recently left to become assistant manager at Portstewart.

O’Connor’s namesake – manager Michael O’Connor – praised the striker’s impact across their previous two Premiership matches in an interview on the club’s media channel on Thursday.

"The last two games he has been brilliant,” he said. “His hold-up play has been good, he hasn’t gave defenders a chance to breathe.

"It’s massive in this league, especially if you’re playing with one striker, that he holds the ball up and brings Paul McGovern, Jack Malone, Peter Campbell into play and lets them do their thing.

“The last few games he has been superb. He gave Larne’s centre-backs a torrid time, his work-rate was brilliant, and the only thing Mick needs to add, and I keep going on at him, is get in the box and score me goals.

"Everything else he has done in the last two games has been brilliant.”