Blues must keep faith in more twists: Mcareavey
Former favourite urges Linfield not to give up on their Gibson Cup dream
LINFIELD hero Paul Mcareavey insists the Sports Direct Premiership title race is far from over and the Blues will believe they can take the fight to the last day.
Mcareavey won four League crowns, three Irish Cups and the Setanta Cup during six glorious years at Windsor Park and that chapter in his career gave him a remarkable insight into the club’s DNA.
The Blues may be on the ropes but they aren’t ready to throw in the towel.
Larne now have their title destiny in their own hands and can finish the job with a draw at Windsor on Monday.
Linfield, who are three points adrift with only two games remaining, must win that clash to keep their title hopes alive.
But even if David Healy’s side do win on Monday, Larne have a superior goal difference and will retain the Gibson Cup if they defeat Coleraine at Inver Park next Saturday.
The Bannsiders have already written one dramatic twist in this title tale and they are capable of repeating that trick.
The race for the crown changed dramatically and suddenly on Tuesday when Larne grabbed a late winner at Glentoran while Linfield conceded a late equaliser at home to Coleraine.
Just when the Blues thought they had the edge in the championship race, Larne seized control and they must be favourites now to finish top.
Linfield have stumbled too often and now it’s win or bust for them on Monday.
Can they produce one more big performance to take this race to the last day when they face Irish Cup Final opponents Cliftonville at Windsor Park?
When the midweek drama unfolded, Mcareavey had a flashback to Morgan Day in 2005 and Chris Morgan’s late winner effectively winning the title for Glentoran.
The Blues were devastated but their anger helped fuel the success that came next. A history-making inaugural Setanta Cup success was followed by the club’s ‘Clean Sweep’ of trophies the following season.
Former Glenavon coach Mcareavey knows Linfield will feel they face an uphill fight but he expects the Blues to throw everything at Larne on Monday.
“I was chatting to (Linfield assistant manager) Ross Oliver after what happened and it reminded me of Morgan Day,” said the 43-year-old. “Glentoran went top of the table and won the League title a week later.
“At one point, the scores were in Linfield’s favour this week and then it all changed in the blink of an eye.
“This is a decisive swing but you keep going. Football is a funny old game and if the Blues can beat Larne on Monday then it’s all to play for again.
“If I was in Linfield’s team, I would feel the disappointment but you must stay positive and focused on beating Larne.
“You have to believe, otherwise there is no point in working all season until this moment when you give up. You have to hope there’s another swing.
“Look at the Premier League where Liverpool have slipped up. The Linfield boys know they must beat Larne because if they don’t, they don’t deserve to win the title. David (Healy) will have that drummed into the players’ heads.”
Another concern for Linfield is a hamstring injury for their captain, Jamie Mulgrew. The experienced midfielder went off injured against Coleraine.
Mulgrew’s experience and leadership will be missed if the injury keeps him out of these huge games.
Former Swindon Town man Mcareavey is hoping Kyle Mcclean can continue his impressive form.
“It’s a real blow to the Blues but Kyle Mcclean has been very good this season,” said the Belfast man who had a spell in charge of Donegal Celtic.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen enough of Stephen Fallon and he’s been a big miss.
“Jamie has been awesome for so long and he would hate to miss any games, never mind the big ones.
“They will be working hard to get him fit for the run-in or the Final.”
The Irish Cup decider is a 15,000 sell out and it will capture the attention of every Irish League follower including Mcareavey, who works with Reds legend George Mcmullan.
Former Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Mcareavey has a feeling the Blues might just edge it but he’s expecting a tight thriller.
“I think the Final will be a draw, probably 2-2 and could go to penalties after extra-time,” he said. “Linfield might sneak it in the end. Even if the Blues don’t win the title, it won’t have a negative impact on their Cup bid. In fact, it could galvanise them to finish on a high.
“The club’s mentality is to win matches and trophies. That doesn’t change. If you lose the title, you put on your big boy pants and go again.
“For the Reds not to have won the trophy in 45 years is one of the craziest statistics I have heard of.
“Hopefully it’s a day remembered for the right reasons. You will always get a few balloon heads, I just hope they don’t get the publicity.
“Hopefully, a few morons won’t ruin it for the vast majority of supporters who are out to enjoy the day.” Mcareavey is enjoying a break away from football and is unsure whether he will return to the game. He was Gary Hamilton’s assistant at Glenavon when he was hit with an 11-match suspension. He was issued with a red card by referee Evan Boyce for ‘threatening or intimidating behaviour towards a match official’ during the clash with Loughgall at Lakeview Park in August.
“I’ve been enjoying spending time with my family and doing things I wouldn’t have been able to do if I was still involved in football.” he said. “It’s been nice having a break and we will see what the future holds.”