Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
AFFREY CHARGE
Healy expects league’s daddy to lead assault on silverware
DAVID HEALY believes in-form Ballymena United have emerged as a domestic threat under the “daddy” of Irish League managers David Jeffrey.
Linfield and the Sky Blues, who lie first and second in then Premiership, meet in the County Antrim Shield semi-finals this evening.
It is the first of two clashes in a week between the clubs with a high profile league meeting also lurking on the horizon at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
And while Jeffrey has played down United’s title credentials in recent times, Healy believes the Braidmen are well placed to push for major honours.
“David has said Ballymena can’t win the title, so maybe that opens the door for one or two others to win it,” he smiled.
“Can they win it? Absolutely. Ballymena are a good side managed by the most successful Irish League manager of all time.
“In my eyes, he’s the daddy of them all and I have huge respect for him.
“I know Davy has suggested Ballymena are a wee, young, naive side, but I don’t believe that. They have been on a terrific run and they can challenge.”
Healy believes Ballymena have reaped the rewards of a new-look 3-5-2 formation, having won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 games in all competitions.
Their last defeat was a 2-1 league loss to Linfield at Windsor Park on September 29.
“Davy has got his players in a formation that is difficult to play against,” he said. “I went to see them at Newry and it gave me a good idea on how we’ll want to play.
“Credit to him and Bryan (Mclaughlin) for bringing in the players who have given them an extra energy on the pitch.”
Healy expects a “tough game” as Linfield and Ballymena bid to book their place in the Shield final where they’ll meet either Crusaders or Larne.
“With the league game coming up on Saturday, I’d imagine we’ll both go into our squads, but it’s an important tie for both clubs because there’s a final at stake,” he said.
“It’ll be a tough game, that’s for sure, but the good thing is at least we have a good pitch to play on at the Showgrounds now.”