IRISH LEAGUE: Glenavon boss Hamilton hoping for progress on all fronts at expense of Carrick Rangers

“We may look to rest some key players this weekend with the Irish Cup quarter-final coming up so soon,” said Hamilton. “It is about trying to avoid any late injuries or suspensions really and I have faith in the squad to select a competitive side anyway.

“We have quality across the group so any player can step in and produce for the club.

“We have 21 or 22 players now pushing for a place in the squad so it is not just about protecting certain players but also opening up opportunities for others to impress.

“A top-six finish in the league is a target with the potential for European football, plus we obviously want to go as far as possible in the Irish Cup.”

Aaron Callaghan wasted little time in switching his focus after the final whistle of Saturday’s League Cup final defeat from past pain to future tests in the fight against relegation.

“We signed 10 players in the January window as that was my first transfer period to be able to change the squad,” said Callaghan. “They are improving communication, verbally and non-verbally, so over time players will start to learn more about each other.

“We had players ruled out and it comes down to changing the mentality but we have been strong.

“When you take into account the players missed as cup-tied or injured, I am confident we can be competitive between now and the end of the season.”