Linfield boss David Healy says he fully respects Jordan Stewart’s desire to be a regular starter in the run-in as the Big Two giants chase a fourth straight league title.
Stewart, who has started just three of the Blues’ last 15 games, glared towards the dugout after scoring off the bench in a recent 2-1 win at Warrenpoint Town.
And the 27-year-old also aired his frustration in Linfield's matchday programme prior to scoring in Friday night’s 1-1 draw with rivals Glentoran at Windsor Park.
Read more: No real appetite in the Irish League for an all-Ireland league, says Linfield GM Pat Fenlon
Asked if Stewart has been banging down his door to start more regularly, Healy said: “Of course, like most players, when we don’t select them they want to know why.
“I read Jordan’s comments in the programme and he is a pretty honest guy. Like all players, he wants to play and they’re always disappointed when they don’t.
“Listen, he backs the decision of myself and when Jordan was missing we went on a five or six game winning run, so it’s hard. I know because I’ve been in that situation as a player.
“He also missed a number of weeks of illness and little niggles, but I’ve always said that a player like Jordan probably has more ability than most in the league.
“He deserved his opportunity (to start) against Glentoran, he worked hard for 90 minutes and it was no surprise that he popped up with a goal.”
Friday night’s result coupled with Cliftonville’s scoreless draw with Larne on Saturday saw Linfield stay a point clear of the Reds at the summit.
Next up for the Blues is a trip to in-form Crusaders, who have won eight of their last nine games in all competitions, on Tuesday night.
Cliftonville travel to Coleraine and Glentoran, who lie six points off the summit, welcome Larne to the BetMcLean Oval.
On being held to draws in their last two games against the Glens and Cliftonville (0-0 at Solitude, Healy said: “I don’t think there was anything in those two games.
“Maybe with a more clinical edge, we probably could have won both games, but at the same time with the level of opposition you’re facing, you could also lose those games."
Read more: Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin: I'd rather be the hunter and not the hunted in title race
Read more: Steven Davis urging Rangers to have treble vision after Old Firm Scottish Cup win
