Glentoran goalkeeper Elliott Morris may have to put his 600th appearance celebrations on ice as he battles to be fit in time for tomorrow's game with Glenavon.
Since joining the Glens in 2002, Morris has established himself as a firm favourite between the posts and is regarded as one of the finest shot-stoppers in Irish League history.
Following 14 years and counting with the club, the 34-year-old broke Alan Paterson’s appearance record of 519 to become Glentoran’s most featured goalkeeper. This season he overtook Paul Leeman’s tally of 597, but is still 195 off record holder Colin Nixon with a total of 794 appearances to his name.
In his time at the Oval Morris has emerged as a cult hero among the Glens faithful and was rewarded for his services in a Glentoran shirt with a testimonial match against Kilmarnock in 2013.
The current number one has lifted three Irish League titles and the Irish Cup three times during his career in East Belfast. The latest honour came in May last year as the Glens conquered Portadown for Irish Cup glory. Morris held the Cup aloft towards the fans as he was sprayed with champagne by his team mates.
The former Player of the Year will be hoping his landmark appearance can inspire a change to the East Belfast side’s recent slump. Alan Kernaghan’s men have lost their last four Premiership games, including last week’s demoralising 4-0 home defeat to basement side Warrenpoint Town.
The Glens travel to Mourneview Park tomorrow to face a Gary Hamilton side that is in a strong run of form. The Lurgan Blues have only lost once in their last 12 games and that was against the Glens back in November. Jonathan Smith and Steve Gordon were on the score sheet to give Kernaghan his first victory as Glentoran manager.
Glentoran boss, Alan Kernaghan, will hope to have both Jonny Addis and Ciaran Caldwell back in the squad following recent injuries and suspensions.
Nathan Webb