IRISH LEAGUE: Pages 48-49

LINFIELD manager David Healy is confident his troops can ruin Rodney McAree’s big day at the Coleraine Showgrounds this afternoon.

The former Dungannon Swifts chief will take charge of the Bannsiders for the first time since Oran Kearney left for the St Mirren job and the 44-year-old faces a baptism of fire as Healy’s Premiership pacesetters look for the victory that will open up an eight point gap between them and their opponents today.

Coleraine are hoping to go one better after their runner-up finish to last season but Linfield have made a blistering start and plan to make another big statement today.

“Rodney will get a warm welcome from the Coleraine fans with it being his first home match but all we will be concerned about is going to the Showgrounds and making sure we do our job properly,” said Healy (left).

“There will be good players on show, I think it will be a good game and a good spectacle for the supporters.”

Last night’s first ever meeting between Co Down neighbours Newry City and Warrenpoint Town in the Premiership finished 1-1 after Philip Donnelly struck in injury time to secure Town a point after James Walker’s 48th minute penalty. RORY McIlroy finished with a flourish in his second round at the Tour Championship to leave himself well placed to go for victory.

The Holywood ace birdied two of his last four holes in Atlanta to finish on five under par, just two shots behind joint leaders Tiger Woods and Justin Rose.

With the Ryder Cup coming up next weekend, McIlroy feels his game is heading in the right direction.

And with World number one Rose and 14-time Major winner Woods leading the charge, the stage is set for a thrilling weekend.

“I’m two behind going into the third day and it was nice to play the final four holes in two under par,” said McIlroy.

“I didn’t birdie either of the par fives which is disappointing as then I might have been a lot closer to the lead but no-one is going anywhere out there it seems.”