Christy Manzinga knows the key to being a success at Linfield involves keeping a cool head rather than developing a big head.
The French striker wasn’t at his best in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Glenavon at Windsor Park but he was the calmest man in south Belfast when Jamie Mulgrew’s cross arrived at his feet in the 64th minute.
The Blues had found Gary Hamilton’s side a tough nut to crack up to that point but Manzinga swept the ball home with a clinical first-time finish.
Victory was sealed when Rangers loanee Chris McKee’s diving header found the net in the 89th minute but once again it was Manzinga who enhanced his reputation as a game-changer for the champions.
Yet while his 16 league goals have played a huge role in Linfield leading the way again this season, the humble forward insists he is just doing his job.
“I’m not the hero, I’m just the finisher,” he said. “The result comes from all the work behind the scenes. It’s about how we work as a team.
“It wasn’t one of my better games, but as long as I get the goals I’m OK. I’m just thinking about the team, and trying to give my best to help us win.”
David Healy’s side now face a demanding set of fixtures over the next three weeks, bookended by away games against title rivals Cliftonville and Glentoran, with the trip to Solitude first up on Tuesday night.
Manzinga concedes he is feeling the effects of the winter slog but he’s glad to be able to lean on the established pillars at the club to help get through the upcoming challenges
“I don’t like to admit it but I’m not feeling 100%, but I’m trying to push my limits," said the 26-year-old French striker.
“Sometimes it’s not good, sometimes it is but we haven’t got time to dwell on these things.
“We’re in a race and we know that we have to make sacrifices to get the title at the end of it.
“We have a big few weeks ahead of us but the experienced lads here are used to it and know how to deal with it.
“Jimmy Callacher, Jamie Mulgrew, Niall Quinn, Kirk Millar… they’re going to help the new players, including me, to deal with this difficult period.
“There is pressure playing for this club and I feel it outside the pitch because people expect you to make the difference.
"But when I’m on the pitch that feeling leaves me because I know that’s my place, where I feel comfortable.
“When I step on to the pitch I forget everything and let the football do the talking.”
