Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GLAD TO BE BACK IN GOAL ROUTINE
Linfield v Larne Windsor Park, 7.45pm
CHRIS MCKEE brought last season to a close in spectacular fashion as he bagged the goal which secured a record 56th league title for Linfield.
But the 20-year-old, who made a permanent switch to Windsor Park in the summer after four years at Rangers, did not think he would have to wait until mid-november to score his next goal for the Blues.
Just as his goal against Coleraine on the final day of the last campaign was important, his strike against Ballymena United last Friday night (inset) carried a lot of significance too.
It helped David Healy’s men secure another three points and extended their unbeaten run to seven games as the surge up the table continues.
Mckee was pleased to finally break his duck for the season but was quick to point out he is happy as long as Linfield pick up the victories.
“It’s been a bit of a slow start to the season for me personally in terms of goals,” he said.
“I’ve just tried to keep my head down, work hard in training and hopefully take my chances when they come along.
“With every game I’m feeling fitter and sharper. I was buzzing to get off the mark on Friday night, hopefully there will be many more to come this season.
“Goals are great to get but as long as I do my job for the team up front, or wherever I play, and we get the three points then that’s all that matters.
“Fingers crossed I can keep playing games and doing well for the team.
“If goals come then it is a bonus, I’m delighted to get them when they come – as I say hopefully they keep coming now.”
While the Blues had been making headlines for the wrong reasons following their stuttering start to the season, they now seem to be going under the radar somewhat following their upturn in form.
They face a huge test at Windsor Park tonight when league leaders Larne visit Windsor Park but it’s a game Mckee is relishing.
“We just focus on ourselves and not what is going on around us,” he said. “We put ourselves in a cup final with the win last week in the County Antrim Shield, fingers crossed we can put ourselves into another final before Christmas.
“In the league we just have to try and keep picking up points.
“We’ve won six out of our last seven games now. It’s a big test for us on Tuesday night as
Larne are a great team but so are we.
“We’re not champions for no reason, I don’t think anyone can write us off.
“We’re starting to build momentum again now, fingers crossed we can keep picking up wins and keep ticking away.”