Glenavon manager Michael O’Connor feels Nathaniel Ferris has “an undeniable eye for goal” and hopes the Glentoran loanee can help improve his side’s attacking output.

Having lost three strikers last month before Bridel Bosakani was recalled by parent club Drogheda United, signing a new forward was top of the priority list for O’Connor.

Following Jack Malone’s departure in the opposite direction for an undisclosed fee, O’Connor has drafted in both Ferris and former Rangers youngster Charlie Lindsay on loan deals until the end of this term.

Ferris enjoyed a sensational first season in the Premiership at Loughgall during the 2023/24 campaign, scoring 15 league goals while creating a formidable partnership with Benji Magee.

placeholder image — Glenavon have signed Nathaniel Ferris (left) and Charlie Lindsay on loan from Glentoran. (Photo by Glenavon FC)

He netted another six the following season to earn a January move to full-time football with the Glens and racked up 15 league outings for Declan Devine’s side, but struggled for opportunities this term.

O’Connor will hope Ferris can rediscover his top goalscoring form for a Glenavon side which currently sits seven points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership table.

They’ve scored only 18 goals in 23 league matches this term, failing to find the net in 11 of their fixtures to date, but have now added January firepower.

“We’re obviously gutted to lose Jack but considering the position we’re in it’s unfortunately a deal that has to be done,” said O’Connor. “It’s also no secret that we’ve been struggling at the top end of the pitch so being able to get the two lads in is a great piece of business.

“Charlie brings with him a lot experience despite his young age. He’s tricky and good on the ball which is what we need in tight areas in attack.

“Nathaniel is a strong boy who knows this league well. He’s a battler and knows what it’s like to be in our position having been there with previous clubs before.

"He’s got an undeniable eye for goal and his hold up play we hope will encourage the likes of Charlie and our other attacking players to get in and around him to help us score more goals, win games and close the gap on those above us.”

Lindsay, who also previously spent time on the books of Derby County before returning to boyhood club Glentoran, has only made three league appearances this term and hasn’t featured since August.

The 21-year-old signed a new contract last summer and Devine feels joining Glenavon on loan will benefit both of his players.

“This decision was taken with the best interests of both players firmly in mind,” he said. “I was completely honest with Charlie and Nathaniel about the competition for places here and the opportunities available at this stage of the season.

“Charlie is a player I’m very fond of. On his day, he is top class, but at this point in his development he needs regular game time to build confidence and to demonstrate consistently the level of ability we all know he possesses.

“Nathaniel simply needs games to rediscover that natural instinct and knack for scoring goals.

"He is a top-class striker and I cannot fault his attitude, effort or work rate when he has been given opportunities. This loan move provides him with the platform to play regularly and make the impact we know he is capable of.

“We believe this loan spell will be hugely beneficial for both players. We’ll monitor their progress closely and we look forward to welcoming Charlie and Nathaniel back to The BetMcLean Oval at the end of the season.”