Declan Caddell believes Crusaders are primed to push on over the business end of the Premiership campaign.
Stephen Baxter’s team have experienced a fractured season so far, having had three stoppages because of the pandemic.
At present, the Shore Road boys find themselves playing catch-up in terms of games but they sit in fourth place in the table and victory over Glenavon at Seaview tonight would inch them closer to rivals Cliftonville.
The Crues enjoyed one of their most impressive performances of the season, winning at Larne on Saturday, which suggests they are back to their best.
“It has been frustrating in many ways for us,” said Caddell, who recently pulled on the red and black shirt for the 500th time.
“We haven’t had an opportunity to go on a run which helps build momentum.
“We were playing well when we’ve been forced to stop for a two-week break. It meant we’ve been playing catch-up in terms of games.
“What makes it even more difficult is the teams in and around us have been winning games. It’s an old cliché, but we just must look after ourselves.
“We have two outstanding games to complete. If we can take full points from those, we’ll not be far behind Cliftonville in third place.”
Caddell added: “The last time Glenavon came to Seaview, they left with all three points.
“You don’t know what you are going to get, week on week, from different clubs.
“In saying that, they have a great side. They had a good shape about them that day and we found it difficult to break them down. “They have taken points off the top teams this season.”
Elsewhere tonight, Coleraine host Warrenpoint Town tonight before travelling to face them again on Saturday.
“We’ve played them a few times this season and it’s never easy,” said Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney.
“When you play back-to-back games, it makes it tough as well.
“Any three points in this League are hard to come by and you’ve got to be at your best. We just can’t afford a lull at this level, or we’ll be punished.”
