Semi-pro contract rules out Ryan-Zico

RYAN-ZICO BLACK has signed a contract to remain with part-time Glenavon for the remainder of the season, ruling him out of Steve Ogier's Muratti plans. Ogier, who heard the news yesterday, confirmed that the 22-year-old, who stood out for Vale Rec in games over the festive period, would have been chosen for the forthcoming South-West Counties League match against the Royal Navy.

'It would have been a bonus for us,' said a rueful Ogier, who had received glowing reports of the forward who still qualifies to play in the Muratti as a Guernsey-born native.

Black watched Glenavon, who are bottom of Northern Ireland's Premier Division, draw 1-1 with Cliftonville on Tuesday evening and having trained on his own each morning this week has been chosen in a 14-man squad for today's away game against Newry, his clearance to play having finally come through.

Before flying to Ireland Black, who has represented the Northern Ireland under-21s four times (his father, Dessie, is Irish), had spoken of his desire to add to his collection of Muratti caps, by appearing in the senior match.

He played in the 1996 Star Trophy victory and a year later for the Junior Muratti side beaten 1-0.

'He would have definitely been in the squad,' said Ogier, who although not seeing Black on his return, said his spies had confirmed he had been the best player on the pitch in the two matches he played.

'I'm not too disappointed because two months ago he wasn't going to be here,' added the island boss.

Vale Rec, who won two matches in succession with Black leading their attack, play North this afternoon in the big Priaulx game of the day.