Paddy McLaughlin hoping for 'some positive news in the next couple of weeks' regarding Glenavon talisman
Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin is hoping for “some positive news in the next couple of weeks” regarding the potential injury return of talisman Peter Campbell.
McLaughlin has been without Campbell for the majority of this season with the winger missing six of their opening seven league games – his sole appearance came as a substitute against Coleraine last month.
Campbell’s form picked up significantly after McLaughlin was appointed last term, ending the campaign with seven Premiership goals – only Davy McDaid (eight) contributed more for the Co Armagh club – alongside six assists.
The 27-year-old’s extended time on the sidelines is a major blow for the Lurgan Blues, who have yet to pick up a point ahead of Saturday’s visit to reigning champions Linfield.
“Peter has been very unfortunate,” McLaughlin told the club’s website. “He has had two bad injuries back-to-back.
"But he is determined to get back into the team. He has been working very hard. Whether he is on the pitch or off it he gives his best. Hopefully, there will be some positive news in the next couple of weeks.”
While Campbell is set to remain on the sidelines, McLaughlin has revealed an injury suffered by summer signing Paddy Burns isn’t as bad as first feared.
The former Cliftonville defender started in Glenavon’s first five league matches of the new season before being replaced at half-time during their 3-1 defeat to the Reds at Solitude on August 30.
“We were quite worried about Paddy,” added McLaughlin. “It looked as if he might be facing a long spell on the sideline, but we have just got the news that he is fine. He won’t make it against Linfield, but he will be able to resume training again soon.”
Former Linfield star Niall Quinn missed last weekend’s clash at Larne, and while he’ll be absent for a return to Windsor Park, McLaughlin hopes to have him back involved in the near future.
“Niall is making good progress,” he said. “He should be back in the next couple of weeks. He made a big contribution last season, so we want him to be fit and available as soon as possible.”
Josh Kee, Barney McKeown and Harry Murphy are all available for Saturday’s fixture having missed last weekend through a mixture of eligibility and suspension.