Paul Owens has hailed Stephen Lowry as the "best player I played with" as he offered an insight into the impact the former Irish Premiership star is making at Limavady United.
Lowry has been a catalyst behind the Roesiders' promotion drive this season after returning to his boyhood club last summer, and linking up with former teammate Owens.
The 38-year-old has shown no signs of stopping, with Lowry playing every game bar one this term to help push Limavady up the Championship table.
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Manager Owens said: “Stephen has been massive for us, we have always had a close relationship. He is 38 but has played every game apart from one. His performance levels have been brilliant, and his experience has helped us get results over the line.
“He commands respect, and the younger players are learning from him. He is a brilliant captain and brilliant to have around the place.
“Stephen is the best player I have played with. He knows his body and it’s no fluke he is still playing at his age."
Owens describes Lowry as the consummate professional, a player who is doing everything he can to prolong his career for as a long as possible.
He offered an insight into the gym work the former Linfield and Coleraine midfielder is putting in to ensure he can compete at the highest level.
"He reminds me of Ryan Giggs in the way he has looked after himself. He has set a good example to the younger players and his consistency and attitude is top drawer," the Limavady boss said.
"You will struggle to find a better midfielder over the last 25 years. You can see other players appreciating his gym work and how he conducts himself. He’s a good voice in the changing room and a big help to me."
As for the future, Owens believes Lowry can continue playing into next season, and possibly beyond.
"Stephen has another year on his contract and he will know when to call it a day," he said.
"He’s a big influence on and off the pitch and he will always be welcome here.”
Limavady currently sit second in the Championship, six points behind Bangor with 11 games remaining this season. It has been an impressive return from a side only promoted from the Premier Intermediate League last year.
They also knocked Larne out of the Irish Cup and ran Crusaders close in the next round.
“In WhatsApp groups at the start of the season, people tipped us to be last in the League so it’s been a good season so far,” added Owens.
“We haven’t had back-to-back defeats yet and there is a bit of resilience to us. I do feel we have the perfect blend of youth and experience and Coleraine going full-time has helped us pick up Adam Mullan, Martin Gallagher and Rodney Brown, who has been a massive player for us.
“The young players have really grown, that has been amazing. It’s a whole team effort. No-one has won Player of the Month twice, which shows how many of the boys are stepping up.
“Now we are ticking off the games and seeing how far we can go. We have won three League titles since I have been here and we have finished seasons strongly.
“The Irish Cup performances gave us more belief. It has been massive for the club and it shows what we are capable of. We can hit those levels at difficult places against top sides."
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