Linfield assistant Ross Oliver happy to have David Healy back in charge for County Antrim Shield clash with Larne
Linfield assistant Ross Oliver will be back by David Healy's side for the match against Larne
Linfield assistant boss Ross Oliver is relieved manager David Healy is back in the dugout for Tuesday night’s County Antrim Shield first round game with Larne at Windsor Park.
The former Northern Ireland international striker had to sit out Saturday’s impressive Premiership win at Coleraine due to suspension.
Although it will be business as usual for Healy, the Linfield team will hardly be recognisable from the one that performed so well at the sun-drenched Showgrounds — a result that took the Blues to the top of the table.
Kyle McClean’s early strike may have been wiped out by Jamie Glackin, but the Belfast side came roaring back with a Chris Shields penalty and close range Chris McKee finish.
With Healy confined to the grandstand, it was left to Oliver to orchestrate things from the touchline.
“It will be good to have him back,” he laughed. “I certainly missed him in the dugout at Coleraine. It was tough with him being in the stand because he can’t really influence the game in any way, although it must have been more frustrating for him than it was for me.”
This evening’s Shield tie is a repeat of the Final for the past two years, with Larne having their sights set on their fourth successive triumph in the competition.
Oliver added: “We don’t mind admitting the game will give us the chance to have a look at some of the new players and some of the boys who have been on the fringes.
“We may also draft in a few of the younger lads as well. Our priority at the football club is the League championship, as it always is.
“With the gaffer now back, it will be down to him what kind of squad we will use.”
The Blues were not only
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