Glenavon manager Michael O’Connor has backed Sunderland-bound Alfie Pollock to forge a successful career – and believes he’s a “great example” to the club’s young stars.

Northern Ireland U16 international Pollock, who scored on his Premiership debut for the Lurgan Blues against Carrick Rangers in April, has been confirmed as the latest Irish League youngster to seal a dream move across the water.

The 16-year-old defender will now join the academy of Premier League outfit Sunderland, following in the footsteps of Glentoran’s Rhys Walsh and Matthew Burns of Coleraine.

Glenavon have a proud tradition for developing talent with the likes of Mark Sykes, Bobby Burns, Joel Cooper, Chris Atherton, Paul McGovern and now Pollock all earning moves to England or Scotland after spending time at Mourneview Park.

placeholder image — Glenavon players and coaches present Alfie Pollock with his senior shirt before joining Sunderland. (Photo by Glenavon FC Academy)

A product of the Irish FA’s JD Academy, Pollock was set to be involved with Glenavon’s senior squad as they aim to secure promotion back to the Premiership at the first attempt, and while disappointed to lose him, O’Connor is thrilled the teenager has earned a big move.

"I’m delighted for Alfie,” O’Connor told the club’s media channel. “I’ve worked with Alfie for the last two or three years with the underage Northern Ireland underage set-up.

"He’s a great kid, he wants to listen, wants to learn. He came on the last game of the season for us and did really well, scored a goal.

"He was in my plans to be part of the first team this season so I’m disappointed he’s not, but I’m really happy for him and his family that he has this chance to go over to England and have a good career - I think Alfie will.

"We’ve had three, four or five (academy) players up with us in pre-season. If you look over the last seven, eight or nine years at the players we have brought through, I think it’s really important.

"When I came in, I wanted to bring players through from our academy and give them the chance to play first team, then hopefully they can get a move across the water.

"Alfie is a great example of a player who has done that and hopefully it goes well for him.”