Former St George’s defender Seamus Sharkey made his debut for new club Glenavon on Saturday in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.

Sharkey signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Lurgan side at the start of last month after leaving League of Ireland outfit Sligo Rovers in November.

Shay’s debut couldn’t have gone much better as his new team beat amateurs Rosemount Rec 5-0 despite missing two penalties.

Reflecting on first appearance for the County Armagh outfit, Sharkey said: ’We were drawn against the only amateur side left in the cup so it was a big occasion for them, but a game we wanted to win as a cup final is a target for us.

’It was a good game to make my debut in. I’ve been training but match fitness is so different.

’I just need a few more games to get up to speed now and show my quality.’

The 28-year-old Ellan Vannin cap had to wait until the January transfer window opened to make his debut for the Blues that currently occupy fourth in the Northern Irish Premiership.

Glenavon face a Coleraine side that sits just below them in the standings on Saturday as both aim to be in contention for Europa League qualification at the end of the campaign.

Sharkey said he’s already noticed a difference between the Northern Irish top-flight and the League of Ireland where he has spent much of his career.

’I’ve watched a few games now and they are a lot more open than down south.

’It’s end-to-end football. The few matches I watched in December were 3-3, 4-2,1-1 3-1, 3-3, 4-0 - it’s goals galore.

’I’d say it’s more physical as well than down south and you don’t get as much time on the ball as the opposition are usually pressing.’

After settling well into the squad, the former Limerick and Derry City man is hopeful that Gary Hamilton’s side can feature near the top of the standings once again after finishing third last season and securing a place in the Europa League qualifiers.

’We dropped points over Christmas which is really frustrating because those points would have put us right up there.

’It depends how the window goes maybe one or two new faces in the door can add to our threat.

’The top clubs have bigger budgets so it’s hard to challenge but we’re going alright.’

’I’d say finishing in European spot is the aim. A cup final would be a unbelievable day out too.’