Michael Collins will be back in action for Portadown

Michael Collins is poised to return to the Portadown team for Saturday's Mid-Ulster derby against Glenavon.

The volatile midfield has just served a seven-match ban - his second lengthy lay-off this season.

Collins has been included in Ronnie McFall's squad for the Premier Division clash at Shamrock Park and could well go straight back into the starting line-up.

The Ports have certainly missed powerhouse Collins as Glentoran have gained the upper hand in the two-team title race.

The Glens are nine points clear and have played a game less than McFall's men.

So Portadown need to beat Glenavon and hope that Glentoran drop points in the Belfast clash with Linfield at the Oval.

Paul McAreavey will miss the match because of the knee injury he sustained in the 5-0 league win at Crusaders last Saturday.

Former Manchester United defender Pat McGibbon is also sidelined.

However, manager McFall is hoping that striker Vinny Arkins will be able to play.

Arkins suffered a cut lip in the game at Seaview and did not take part in the midweek Mid-Ulster Cup semi-final win over Newry Town.

Saturday 22 March 2003

Daily Mirror Irish League Premier Division
Ards v Institute
Cliftonville v Crusaders
Coleraine v Omagh Town
Glentoran v Linfield
Newry Town v Lisburn Distillery
Portadown v Glenavon

First Division
Armagh City v Carrick Rangers
Ballymena United v Dungannon Swifts
Bangor v Ballyclare Comrades
Larne v Limavady United