Irish League goalkeeper 'can’t wait to get back doing what I love' after positive injury update
Glenavon goalkeeper Lorcan Donnelly says he’s “recovering well" after suffering an injury which resulted in him leaving the pitch in an ambulance on Saturday – and has declared “I can’t wait to get back doing what I love”.
Donnelly received medical attention following a collision during Glenavon’s weekend Championship fixture against Dundela before being taken to hospital to assess his condition.
Both Glenavon and Glentoran, Donnelly’s parent club, offered positive updates on Sunday and the talented young shot-stopper has now posted a further message as he targets a swift return to the pitch.
"I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the incredible support and messages I’ve received since picking up my injury on Saturday,” he posted on Instagram. “I’m recovering well, feeling positive and it won’t be too long before I’m back on the pitch.
"A massive thank you to everyone across the Irish League community, including all the clubs, players, staff and supporters, for the incredible support and well wishes.
"To everyone who has taken the time to check in, send a message or show their support, it genuinely means a lot to me and my family.
"A special mention to everyone at Glentoran, Glenavon and Evolve football consultancy for all of their help and ongoing support.
"I can’t wait to get back doing what I love. See you all back on the pitch soon.”
Donnelly joined the Lurgan Blues on loan from Glentoran ahead of the current campaign as the highly-rated youngster continues to build up key senior experience.
The 20-year-old has started in all six of Glenavon's league matches so far this season as the Co Armagh club target a Premiership return.
Glenavon had put together a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions prior to Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to the Duns where Matthew Ferguson scored a hat-trick, but manager Michael O’Connor was only concerned about Donnelly’s wellbeing.
"We’ve lost a game today but there’s more important things than football,” O’Connor told the club’s media channel. “We’ll go to the hospital and see if Lorcan is ok, that’s more important than a game of football.
"The ball has come into the box and the big centre-forward has went to challenge and it’s how Lorcan has landed, he’s landed awkwardly on his head and it was worrying at the time, but thankfully he’s ok.”
Donnelly has already enjoyed Irish League loan spells at Lisburn Distillery, Newry City, Ballinamallard United and Carrick Rangers throughout his young career.
He signed a new long-term contract at Glentoran in January with manager Declan Devine saying the club can “see a big future for him at The BetMcLean Oval”.
Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran, added: “Lorcan has been part of this football club from a very young age and we see him as an important part of our future.
“We believe Lorcan has the potential to develop into a long-term number one at Glentoran.”