I have found my feet and starting to show top quality: Knowles

JAMES Knowles has admitted fans are finally seeing the best of him under the guidance of his manager, David Jeffrey.

The former Blackburn youngster is blossoming in the Sky Blues midfield alongside Leroy Millar and Jude Winchester.

The 25-year-old was a teenager when Jeffrey brought him to Linfield but he found it hard to thrive in the Windsor Park environment.

His confidence has reached a new level on Warden Street where United are aiming to keep the pressure on Linfield in the title race.

The two Premiership heavyweights will wrestle for the BetMcLean League Cup at Windsor Park tonight and Knowles is quietly confident his men can rise to the occasion.

“David signed me at Linfield and maybe I was too young, aged 19 and struggling for consistency in my game,” said the former Cliftonville and Glentoran midfielder. “Over the last four or five years I have worked on that and gradually now people are seeing the form I want to produce week in, week out.

“I’m enjoying my football and we are winning games which helps. I’m loving it at the minute and long may it continue.

“Leroy and Jude are playing as a three with myself keeping the balance in there and they are two guys who like to go forward more, giving us an attacking threat. I can do a bit more dirty, unselfish work to allow them to express themselves which they have done, they have been unbelievable this year.”

Knowles admitted his side will need to hit top gear to roll over the Blues on their own turf.