DAVID OUT TO HEAL THE HURT

LINFIELD manager David Healy has outlined his determination to home in on European football to end a “disappointing season” on a high note.

The Blues host Glentoran in tonight’s Europa League play-off semi-final and should they win they will take on either Cliftonville or Ballymena at Windsor Park on Saturday with £200,000 at stake for earning a place in continental competition.

After winning the title, Irish Cup and

County Shield in the previous campaign, Linfield could only finish fourth in the league this time around failing to reach a final of any of the knockout tournaments.

Healy’s assessment of this season is typically honest adding that the next four days, starting against Linfield’s Big Two rivals Glentoran, who are without key striker Curtis Allen due to suspension, are crucial.

“It’s vitally important for the club to qualify for Europe. It’s been a disappointing season and you can’t paper over the cracks,” said Healy.

At the same time Cliftonville will aim to bounce back from their Irish Cup final defeat to Coleraine by beating

Ballymena United at Solitude in the other Europa League play-off semi-final.

Reds skipper Chris Curran said: “Losing the Cup final was hard to take but we know we have to show our character against Ballymena because it is vital that the club gets into Europe.”

David Jeffrey’s Sky Blues won the play-offs last season and will fancy their chances of repeating that feat.