Many rate Walker as the local game's best defender

The news is the perfect boost for the Glens ahead of Saturday's crucial Irish League game against Portadown.

Walker has been in tremendous form for Glentoran this season.

His brilliance in central defence has helped the Glens to a nine-point lead going into Saturday's game at the Oval.

Portadown goalkeeper David Wells is expected to return for the big game.

Wells picked up ankle ligament damage against Linfield and then had to be replaced midway through the game against Coleraine two weeks ago.

Veteran Mickey Keenan stood in for Wells for the last two games and is again on standby in case there are any last-minute hitches.

Ports boss Ronnie McFall still has a number of doubts for a tie that could decide who walks away with the Daily Mirror Irish League Prremiership title.

Midfielder Peter McCann has a shoulder problem and defender Colm Tresson is suffering from an Achilles tendon strain.

Glentoran, who have a nine-point at the top, have reported no problems with their squad.

Our disciplinary record was good until recent weeks Marty Tabb

Meanwhile, third-placed Coleraine are awaiting the fitness of midfielder Stephen Beatty for their clash with Ards at Ballycastle Road.

Beatty has a damaged knee, but at least manager Marty Quinn has Tony Gorman back from suspension.

Cliftonville manager Marty Tabb is not a happy camper.

Not only has he to serve a one-match touchline ban, but he will lose the services of four experienced players through suspension from Monday.

Tabb received his suspension following word with an official during the recent game at Portadown.

But the loss of Barry Tumelty, Mickey Donnelly, Paul Straney and Stephen Small through suspension has badly hit the Reds.

''It never rains but it pours,'' said Tabb about his predicament.

''I'm banned from the dugout for the home game against Institute on Saturday.

''But it's disappointing to lose the players. We will just have to get on with it. Our disciplinary record was good this season, until recent weeks.''

Crues boss Dornan ready for action again

Tabb will have everyone available for Friday's evening's game at Omagh.

Omagh boss Roy McCreadie has also been hit with suspensions with Ivan Sproule and James Quigley sitting out the next two league games.

''They will be back for the Irish Cup quarter-final tie against Linfield,'' said McCreadie.

Crusaders boss Alan Dornan will be back in action against his former club Linfield on Saturday.

The Irish League veteran has missed a number of games through injury over the past months.

Dornan also has Jeff Spiers back after completing a two-match suspension.

''But we have to concentrate on Friday's game. If we can get four points from our remaining six matches then we will be assured of a top six place.''

Daily Mirror PremiershipFriday 21 February

Omagh v Cliftonville (2000GMT)

Saturday 22 February
(all 1500GMT kick-off)

Coleraine v Ards
Crusaders v Linfield
Glenavon v Lisburn Distillery
Glentoran v Portadown
Institute v Newry Town

First Division
Armagh City v Larne
Bangor v Ballymena
Carrick v Dungannon
Limavady v Ballyclare