Glenavon vs Leeds XI i kveld:
Milk Cup: Robbie McDaid’s absence from friendly is a blemish.
Big move: Robbie McDaid made the switch from Lurgan to Leeds
BY STUART MCKINLEY – 30 JULY 2014
Gary Hamilton is feeling mixed emotions ahead of Glenavon’s glamour friendly with with Leeds United this evening, because the man who made it possible won’t be there.
Leeds come to Mourneview Park tonight (7.45pm) after agreeing to the match as part of the deal that took teenage striker Robbie McDaid from Lurgan to Yorkshire earlier this year.
The main man won’t be there though as McDaid will instead be playing for Northern Ireland in the Dale Farm Milk Cup this evening.
While Hamilton is delighted that the youngster has received international recognition, he would have liked to have seen McDaid in a Leeds shirt this evening.
“It would have been nice for Robbie to play in the game — it wouldn’t have come about had it not been for him,†said Hamilton.
“I’m always one who wants people to play for their country, but I think it would have been nicer for Robbie to have played in a match between his new club and his old club.
“While the Milk Cup is good for young players, it’s not a major tournament and I think it would have meant more to him to play for Leeds against Glenavon.
“Both things are good, but I think that’s what he would have remembered more.â€
Hamilton has secured a key signing for tonight’s game, with Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer David Healy lining up for Glenavon, as the club marks its 125th anniversary.
“In testimonials and things like that you get players coming back to take part. The likes of George Best have done these kinds of things in the past and David is the number one player of our day,†said Hamilton.
“It says a lot about David that when I called him he said he would get back to me within the hour — and he did, to say ‘yes.’
“He deserves a lot of credit and recognition for coming to play for an Irish League club in a match like this.
“Having him play is a big positive for Glenavon and the Irish League as a whole.â€