soccer

Linfield title defence 'unlikely, but not impossible'

Linfield manager David Healy says his side will not give up their defence of the Irish Premiership without a fight after Tuesday's 4-1 win at Dungannon Swifts.

Gael Bigirimana cancelled out Matthew Fitzpatrick's opener but Isaac Baird's double and Kyle McClean's goal gave Linfield a comfortable win.

Healy's side are third in the table and are eight points off leaders Larne with 10 matches remaining.

"It's unlikely, but not impossible. We have a lot of work to do but we've put ourselves in this position," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"There are three other very good teams who have all invested incredibly well over the past number of months.

"Larne have responded when a lot of people probably thought they were going to go away after winning the league, and us last year.

"Credit to the teams and managers, they have put squads together who are not only capable of challenging but putting themselves in with a chance of success."

Despite a surprise Irish Cup exit at the hands of Championship frontrunners Limavady United, Linfield are now unbeaten in eight matches in the league.

Healy also had praise for midfielder Baird, who assisted Fitzpatrick's opener before his double.

"There has been a lot of questions and challenges over the last while, and the players have responded, but it's important that we go and back this up going forward.

"In the past few weeks Isaac has been given a more free role in attacking midfield. He scored a couple of scruffy goals, which are key and they break the defiance of the opposition."

Read full story at Yahoo Sport →