Linfield boss David Healy says he had no issues with supersub Jordan Stewart staring daggers at him after scoring a crucial leveller in Saturday’s gutsy 2-1 win at Warrenpoint Town.
Stewart was caught on the Sky Sports cameras glaring at the dugout after rifling home an equaliser for the Blues just 10 minutes after coming off the bench because of an injury to Eetu Vertainen.
The winger admitted afterwards that he had a “point to prove” and told Sky reporter Graham Little: “Too often than not I find myself out of this team and I don't always agree with that.”
Read more: Linfield flex title muscle with a late, late win at Milltown
Healy, chasing his fifth league title with the Big Two giants, insists he understood the player's "frustration" and heaped praise on his team's determination to get a massive three points across the line.
“Jordan came on and fair play to him, he had a point to prove and he scored," he said.
“He wanted to put a marker down, which he did, thankfully.
"He had a little stare over at me, which is great. I understand his frustration and the disappointment of players when they're not in the starting line-up.”
The Blues left it late to record a vital win in the title race; recent arrival Ethan Devine rising to head a Jake Hastie corner into the net in the second minute of added time.
It is the third time this season the 21-year-old, who joined the Blues from Knockbreda in January, has salvaged a dramatic and crucial result for the reigning champions.
Devine scored an 85th minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Cliftonville in January and also headed home a 94th minute winner against Crusaders at Windsor Park a fortnight ago.
Saturday's victory edged the Blues four points clear of Cliftonville and eight above Glentoran, who both have a game in hand.
“Ethan does what Ethan does,” said Healy. “He is still a young player learning his way but he has a fantastic attitude and scored a brilliant header.
“We found a way to win and better late than never. Great credit to the players, they kept going. Nobody can question their effort and desire.
“Any winning team or team that has been successful always has an edge to them until the final whistle and all the top teams score goals late on.
“That’s not luck or a fluke. It’s not a case of ‘lucky Linfield’ and whatever else. It’s because the players keep going and they find a way.”
Read more: Sean O'Neill says it's odds-on Crusaders teens become cross-channel stars
Read more: Jordan Stewart explains dugout gesture after scoring equaliser against Warrenpoint Town
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
