The top two in the NIFL Premiership clash tonight as perennial contenders Linfield make the trip to face this season’s surprise package Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.
It’s no surprise to see the Blues setting the pace in the race for the title but few would have put money on the Tyrone men being their closest challengers at this stage of the campaign.
Linfield boss David Healy isn’t shocked to see the Swifts riding high, however, as he has total respect for the work being done at a club that is noted for continually developing local talent.
The Northern Ireland legend said: “It’s a battle of the top two, great credit to Rodney (McAree) and the people down at Dungannon.
“They’ve always been a well-run club; they’ve always produced their own players. You only have to look at their squad to see the development of the youth policy at the club.
“It goes right back to Rodney’s dad Joe, who is steeped in Dungannon tradition – he was a big part of the success they’ve had. “We know it will be a tough game.
“They are in a rich vein of form, reflected in their win at Ballymena United at the weekend. Any time we go down to Stangmore Park, it’s always proved to be a difficult occasion. I’ve no doubt it will be the same again.”
While Healy expects a tough test tonight, he is heartened to see his club’s injury crisis easing somewhat ahead of a busy time of year.
In particular, the 45-year-old is delighted to see light at the end of a long, dark tunnel for striker Robbie McDaid.
Healy added: “It’s a big positive for us was having players coming back from injury at a crucial stage.
“Robbie has had such a tough couple of years. He has fought hard to get back to where he is at now and his return will now give us more competition for places.
“He is so popular in the dressingroom with the rest of the boys.
“Hopefully, we can give Robbie his opportunity when he is really ready to go and he can add to the level of competition we have at the top end of the pitch. I’ve no doubt in the coming weeks, Robbie will get the game time that he requires.”
Meanwhile, Swifts boss McAree is relishing the challenge his players will be facing against the Blues this evening.
“We look forward to it, it’s one we’ll enjoy and it will be a great spectacle,” said McAree, whose team moved up to second spot on Saturday with that 1-0 win at Ballymena United and sit eight points behind Linfield.
“It’s a game against one of the biggest clubs in Ireland at home under the lights - we’ll challenge ourselves again and try to get something.”
Elsewhere tonight, Glenavon host Crusaders in the league while there is also a BetMcLean Cup quarter-final between Ballymena and Glentoran at the Showgrounds.
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