Danske Bank Premiership: Glenavon v Cliftonville
(Saturday, Mourneview Park, 3pm)
CROCKED midfielder James Knowles hopes to be back in a Cliftonville jersey within “six to eight weeks” after suffering a fractured ankle in training.
The former Blackburn Rovers player was on crutches on Wednesday night as he watched the Reds beat Glentoran to record their first win of the new season. The injury occurred during Monday night’s training session at Solitude after an innocuous challenge with team-mate Stevie Garrett.
“I was tracking back to win the ball back,” said Knowles.
“Stevie [Garrett] had the ball and it was just so clumsy. I left my leg there and Stevie fell on it. It was a complete accident. There’s a fracture in it, but I’ve to see the specialist next week to see how bad it is, but hopefully it’s not too bad. There’s no pain at all. I’m usually quite a quick healer. I hope to be back between six to eight weeks, but I won’t know until next week.”
Knowles was sidelined for a similar period around this time last season after he got his appendix removed. He fought his way back to fitness and won back his midfield berth. He faces an even tougher battle this time around to get back into first team contention, given the fine early-season form of central-midfielders Ryan Catney and Jude Winchester, while new signing Ruairi Harkin from Coleraine adds stiff competition.
“I worked hard in pre-season, I got my fitness up and I was doing quite well, but to get injured on Monday night is frustrating more than anything,” he added.
Knowles says he’s “quietly confident” the north Belfast men can challenge in all competitions this term and has been impressed with manager Gerard Lyttle’s summer recruitment drive. Jason McGuinness and Chris Ramsey have added a bit of steel and aerial power to the centre of defence, while new ‘keeper Jason Mooney has performed well.
“I think we’ve strengthened from last year,” said Knowles.
“We’ve got height in the team now, something we didn’t have last season. It’s all about competing now. I thought we were a wee bit flat against Ards last Saturday. Against Glentoran on Wednesday night was a big, big test for us and I thought we were absolutely brilliant.
“I thought we were braver on the ball. A lot of players wanted to get on the ball and that’s always a good sign. Our forwards always showed and the whole back-line were top drawer. If we play like that for the rest of the season, we’ll do alright.”
Knowles added: “It’s important to beat a big team early doors and it’ll help us going into the Glenavon game. We’ve always done quite well at Mourneview and, hopefully, that’ll continue.”
Defending champions Crusaders have already sent out a warning signal to the rest of the Premiership after scoring 10 goals in their two opening league games. But Knowles feels the Reds can push the Shore Road men all the way this year.
“Any time I’ve been in a Cliftonville shirt, I’ve always been confident. For some reason, it didn’t happen for us last year, but I think we have improved our squad. I’m quietly confident about the season ahead.”
PREMIERSHIP PREVIEWS
Ards v Portadown
THE early signs are that Ards boss Niall Currie has learned the lessons of the club’s last fleeting appearance in the top-flight, having bagged four points out of six in their opening two games. Their early season enthusiasm should guarantee at least a point at home to an improving Portadown.
Odds: H:11/8 D:12/5 A:13/8
Prediction: Draw
Ballinamallard United v Ballymena United
A POOR start for the ‘Mallards, losing their opening two games by the odd goal, while David Jeffrey’s Ballymena side bounced back from their opening day mauling to Crusaders to grab an unlikely share of the spoils against Glenavon in mid-week.
But the concession of nine goals in two games gives hope to the home side here.
Odds: H:13/8 D:12/5 A:11/8
Prediction: Draw
Crusaders v Linfield
THE Crues are already looking like an unstoppable juggernaut. They’ve hit 10 goals in two games and there is competition for places in every position. The Blues showed their brittle side by failing to put away Coleraine at home on Wednesday night.
Odds: H:1/1 D:12/5 A:9/4
Prediction: Crusaders
Dungannon Swifts v Coleraine
THE Swifts did well for long periods against Glentoran on the opening day of the season, but they weren’t prepared for the ambush of Ards on home territory. They would settle for a draw at home to the Bannsiders, who are buoyed by their 1-1 draw with Linfield.
Odds: H:21/10 D:12/5 A:1/1
Prediction: Draw
Glenavon v Cliftonville
THE Reds looked good all over the park against Glentoran on Wednesday night, while Glenavon may be grappling with trying to incorporate some new faces into the side at this early stage. The Reds counter-attack could come up trumps here.
Odds: H:6/4 D:12/5 A:6/4
Prediction: Cliftonville
Glentoran v Carrick Rangers
TOO lateral, too laboured and no attacking threat would sum up Glentoran’s first two league performances. Nacho Novo looks desperately out of shape, while Stephen O’Flynn (groin) is still not available. But the home side should still have enough in their ranks to overcome Carrick, who have conceded eight goals in two games.
Odds: H:1/2 D:3/1 A:9/2
Prediction: Glentoran
