Glentoran defender Harry Murphy is on the move despite signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract extension at the Oval. The East Belfast club have confirmed that Murphy is heading to Glenavon on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old has moved to Mourneview Park to gain regular first-team experience after finding his opportunities limited on Mersey Street due to the form of central defenders Marcus Kane, Frankie Hvid, and Kodi Lyons-Foster, alongside recent arrivals of Ciarán Coll and Shane McEleney..

Murphy - who joined the Glens in 2022 from Portadown - has been limited to just four first-team appearances this season. His progress was stalled by a serious knee injury back in April 2023 which kept him sidelined for six months.

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Reflecting on his new contract and loan move, Murphy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to commit my future to Glentoran. Declan and I had a great discussion about my development and we both agreed that going on loan to Glenavon for the rest of the season is the right step for me at this stage in my career.

“Glenavon is a great club and I’m looking forward to pushing for first-team minutes and gaining valuable experience. After missing time due to injury, I’m determined to play regularly and continue improving all aspects of my game.”

Glentoran manager Declan Devine added: “Harry is a talented young player with great potential and this loan move to Glenavon is an excellent opportunity for him to gain regular first-team football. Paddy McLaughlin is a fantastic manager and Glenavon provides the ideal environment for Harry to develop further.

“Harry has been unfortunate with game time this season due to the form of our other central defenders, but we see Harry as a key part of Glentoran’s future. This loan spell will hopefully allow him to play regularly at a competitive level and come back to us as an even better player.

Paul Millar, Sporting Director at Glentoran said: “Harry has immense potential and we see him as an integral part of Glentoran’s squad moving forward. This loan move is an excellent opportunity for him to gain regular game time and continue his development in the Sports Direct Premiership.

“We’ll be closely monitoring his progress at Glenavon and we’re confident this spell will provide him with the platform to take his game to the next level. It’s another example of our commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring they’re prepared to play a key role in the club’s success.”

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