David Healy insists Jordan Stewart has a big future with Linfield despite the forward going out on loan this transfer window.
Stewart has joined Glenavon for the remainder of the campaign in a bid to earn regular game time.
The 27-year-old's season has been hampered by injury, but he recently returned to action for the Blues and will look to finish the season strongly with his new club.
Read more: Linfield forward Jordan Stewart on the move after securing loan deal
Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton believes the move will be beneficial for Stewart, and Linfield chief Healy is also confident the spell at Mourneview Park will see Stewart return to his best form.
Healy told Linfield's website: “After discussions with Jordan over the last number of weeks regarding his short term future, we have concluded that he will not be afforded the game time he requires after his recent injury issues.
"Both Jordan and I are disappointed, but we agreed that he needs regular football to get himself back to full fitness.
"Jordan has a future at Linfield and we know he has the ability to improve our squad. Jordan and I are both hopeful that this loan spell will see him finish the season strongly and have him in a position to challenge for a place when he returns to Linfield.”
Stewart joined Linfield from Swindon Town in the summer of 2017 and has gone on to score 44 goals in 190 appearances for the Blues.
This season has made just three appearances because of injury, his last outing coming on January 14 in a 6-1 win over Glenavon.
The former Glentoran man accepts he needs regular football, and has vowed to return to Windsor "with a renewed hunger" following his loan spell.
“Obviously, it is disappointing to leave my boyhood club in the short term, but I know this loan spell will benefit me, both physically and mentally," Stewart said.
"I appreciate the support from the Manager and Willie McKeown who have afforded me the chance to get game time elsewhere which I know is exactly what I need in the short term.
"I look forward to returning to Linfield for pre season, with a renewed hunger to bring success to this great club.”
"We wish Jordan well and look forward to seeing him back at Linfield next season."
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