Philip Matthews is poised to sign a new deal at Distillery

Lisburn Distillery have opened contract talks with their goalkeeper Philip Matthews.

Whites boss Paul Kirk is keen to get a core of his best players tied to New Grosvenor, including his highly-rated keeper.

Matthews joined Distillery from Glenavon in 2000 and his current deal is due to expire in June.

"I am 90 per cent certain to stay with Distillery. I am enjoying my football," said Matthews, 29 next month.

Distillery moved into the top half of the Premier League last weekend when they won 2-0 at Glenavon.

'Higher standards'

The league splits at the end of March with the top six playing against each other and the bottom six doing the same.

"If we can get a top six spot it will be a bonus because at the start of the season our priority was simply to stay in the Premier League," said Matthews.

"We have had a good run and have now we have set ourselves higher standards."

Marty Robinson, Phil May and Brian Strain have been added to the Distillery panel for Saturday's home game against Crusaders.