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Steven Crawford

David Healy only focused on getting a result as Larne edge closer to title

David Healy has issued a rallying call ahead of Linfield's crucial Big Two clash with Glentoran this evening.

The Blues know they need a win to keep alive any hopes they have of winning a fifth league title in a row.

Larne's 2-0 win at Cliftonville on Tuesday night has now left them on the cusp of a first-ever league title.

Read more: Jamie Conlan on handling brother's abuse, online trolls and 'a******* opinions'

With games running out fast Healy knows they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to keep their slim hopes of defending the Gibson Cup alive.

"We'll regroup, it's been a tough year, it's been a long year, but one thing we won't do is give up," he told Linfield TV.

"We've a lot to play for - points, European spots, league titles - we'll continue on and work hard.

"When you play against Glentoran it's important first and foremost you understand the magnitude of the game.

"We'll need to be better than what we were against Crusaders.

"Our level of performance this year against Glentoran apart from the League Cup game and the Boxing Day fixture hasn't been where we would like, we've had a couple of poor performances and results against them.

"We know we will need to be better than that on Wednesday."

The Blues had chances to win the game against Crusaders, but Healy gave an honest assessment of their display.

"It was disappointing and frustrating," he said.

"I was surprised with the level of performance, I thought we were poor.

"We started the game well enough but we let Crusaders build comfortably into the game.

"We tried to alter the shape and make some substitutions, but I thought our collective performance was short of what we needed to win the game.

"We probably didn't make enough or want it enough to win it.

"There were balls dropping in and around the goal which we should have done better with.

"You always believe you can go and get the win, but I thought the level of performance probably didn't allow us to go and win the game.

"As I say it was frustrating and disappointing as the performance levels were just short of average."

Healy was delighted to welcome Stephen Fallon back after long-term injury, but he now has injury worries over captain Jamie Mulgrew.

"It's great to have Stevie back again as he has been a big miss," said the Linfield boss.

"It's probably a little bit too late for him to make a big contribution in terms of the rest of this season as we've only four games left.

"We'll assess Jamie's injury and see where he is and if he will be fit and available for Wednesday.

"Hopefully he will be fit to play as Jamie gives you that experience and knowhow."

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