Coleraine a huge threat to Linfield’s title hopes, says Healy
LINFIELD manager David Healy has declared that Coleraine are genuine title contenders this season ahead of this afternoon’s highly-anticipated clash with his side at the Showgrounds.
The Bannsiders top the Danske Bank Premiership table on goal difference from Crusaders and are unbeaten in the league since Oran Kearney returned as manager.
Kearney went close to leading Coleraine to the title in 2018 but after he left for St Mirren, the team’s performances took a dip and they finished sixth last term with Rodney McAree in charge.
Since Kearney’s return they have found their form again and have already beaten the Crues home and away and defeated Linfield 4-2 at Windsor Park.
Due to their Europa League heroics, the Blues have been playing catch-up in terms of games and points but are now only two behind the leaders on both counts after a 7-0 hammering of Warrenpoint in midweek.
It all points to a gripping encounter played in a crackling atmosphere.
“I’m sure we will have a big support there. It’s one of the away grounds, like Mourneview Park, that supporters enjoy going to,” said Healy.
“Coleraine will also have a big support. They are coming off the back of beating potential champions in Crusaders so, like ourselves, they should be in confident mood.”
Much has been made of the dynamic displays of Coleraine striker Eoin Bradley lately.
Healy’s take? “One thing he does is use his body very well. He’s clever. Oran says he has matured and when Bradley is on form like he was at Windsor he can be a headache. We’ll look to combat him.
“They have other good players and players in form. Ben Doherty is scoring a lot of goals, Jamie Glackin is doing well and they have Stephen Lowry and Aaron Jarvis who are good players. Lyndon Kane and Aaron Trainor are back fit and Chris Johns is a solid goalkeeper.
“Absolutely they are title contenders. Their improvements this season have been plain to see. Oran has gone in and basically added one or two. Rodney didn’t have the same impact which will disappoint Rodney when he looks at it now with the same group of players.