Glenavon manager Paddy McLaughlin says his team's recent upturn in results and performances has "been down to sheer hard work by the players and staff".

The Lurgan Blues have won won five and drawn one of their past seven games in all competitions under the former Cliftonville boss who succeeded Stephen McDonnell in the role in mid-November.

An impressive 3-2 victory over second-placed Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park on Friday was particularly satisfying for McLaughlin.

"There's been no magic wand. We've had some really good performances, especially Friday night. Friday night was excellent," he said.

"We all know how good Dungannon are, how well drilled and the good football they play under Rodney so we knew we had to match that and better it if we wanted to come out on top.

"There's still a long way to go so we're not getting too carried away. We're playing well and getting good results but things can change very quickly in football."

The manager of the Mourneview Park club says his side is reaping the benefits of increasing training nights from two to three.

"You've seen the immediate impact it has had, the benefits are there for all to see.

"I'm a firm believer that the more time you're together you build up better relationships and the more time you're on the pitch you can develop your game a lot more."

McLaughlin says he is examining the possibility of bringing players in during the January transfer window but "only if they are right for the club and for the team".

Glenavon's recent results see them sit 10th in the table, six points above Saturday's opponents Carrick Rangers, who have a match in hand.

"It's important we keep gathering points because we are in a dangerous position but we're also not that far behind the teams who are sitting in mid-table," McLaughlin added.

"We're not looking over our shoulder, we're looking at who is ahead of us and who can we pull back next."