Festive run of fixtures has been a challenge for Linfield, admits manager David Healy

David Healy has saluted his players' endurance during a testing run of games

Linfield boss David Healy believes the title race could be one of the closest for years.

The Blues headed into the New Year still topping the charts following their hard-fought draw with current champions Larne at Inver Park on Saturday.

Only one point separates the teams in the Sports Direct Premiership table, with Cliftonville tucked in third, merely five adrift of Healy’s boys.

That could all change on Tuesday night when the Blues make the journey across town to face Crusaders at Seaview — a rearranged fixture that angered Healy following a hectic festive schedule.

“I aired my views and my disappointment on the rescheduling of the game,” said the former Northern Ireland international striker. “It’s not ideal, coming off the tough run of games we have over the month of December and the Christmas period.

“The players have had to go through mental and physical endurance over the last lot of weeks, but we’ll get on with it. As soon as the final whistle was blown at Larne on Saturday, our mindset was on the game at Seaview. We look forward to the challenge.

“Again, I must credit the players for their performance at Inver Park, considering the physicality and the mental aspect of the Big Two derby win over Glentoran on Boxing Day. They showed great character to dig out a crucial result.”

With the Irish Cup programme looming at the weekend, Healy insists the Premiership crown is the one that every club craves.

“The League title is the focal point for any club, and that’s no disrespect to any of the other Cup competitions,” he said. “When you start out on the journey in August, the ultimate goal is always the Gibson Cup.

“Every club faces huge