David Healy feels Linfield are still trying to find their best level despite winning seven out of their last eight games.
The Blues are the form team in the Danske Bank Premiership following their midweek victory over league leaders Larne.
That 1-0 win moved them level on points with this evening's opponents, Crusaders, but Healy insists there is more to come from the reigning champions despite them turning round their stuttering early-season form.
Read next: Conor McMenamin injury confirmed as winger ruled out for two months
"We're still getting there, we're still trying to find our best level, the level I believe we can get to," said the Linfield boss.
"We're nowhere near there yet but going forward we've closed the gap.
"I talked about chipping away, we have chipped away a few points on some of the teams above us.
"It's funny that the three games we have in succession are against three of the teams who have beaten us this season.
"The players have a bit of a point to prove.
"Did they catch us at a bad time? One or two of them maybe did, now it's time to show them that we're a little bit better than what we showed them the last time."
The Blues are eyeing another win this evening when the Crues visit Windsor Park.
Stephen Baxter's side have been consistently inconsistent of late, but Healy says he is always wary of the threat they pose.
"It's great credit to Stephen and the Crues that they are always there," he said.
"They are the type of team which can play badly and beat you, they can play well and really beat you.
"The consistency levels of that football club is fantastic, they always win something.
"It's never an easy game against them and I will be expecting more of the same on Saturday evening."
READ NEXT:
- Linfield boss Healy happy to fend off 'dark clouds' around Windsor
Joe Brolly tears into Roy Keane over 'hypocritical' World Cup comments on Qatar
World Cup 2022 Quiz: Test your knowledge with these 11 questions
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
