David Healy believes Linfield vs Glentoran remains the "biggest game" in Irish League football.
The two Belfast heavyweights are preparing for a massive derby showdown at Windsor Park on Friday night.
Appointed on October 14, 2015, former Northern Ireland striker Healy has led the Blues to five League titles successes, along with two Irish Cup triumphs.
Read more: 'Wide awake' Glens moving in right direction as pundits predict title scrap
Even after all that champagne popping, Healy believes this will be his team’s toughest test so far. Even at this relatively early stage of the League campaign, six points separate the teams, with Mick McDermott’s Glentoran tucked in behind leaders Larne at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership table.
In contrast, Healy’s side managed to nudge into the top six following their dull scoreless draw at Coleraine on Saturday.
Incredibly, it will be Linfield’s first home game since August 25 when they were knocked out of the UEFA Conference League by Latvian side RFS on a penalty shootout. Since then, they have featured in 10 away fixtures.
“We haven’t played at Windsor Park for quite some time now, so it will be good to get back," he said. "We’ve had a good home record for the past few seasons, so hopefully we can keep that going.
“I’ve never hidden the fact that Linfield and Glentoran has always been — in my opinion and a lot of people’s opinion — the biggest game. No matter where we are in the league, no matter where Glentoran are in the league and whether it’s a cup game, it’s always been the biggest game.
“It’s the best supported match and I expect a big crowd. Everybody says you play the game and not the occasion and I’ve no doubt that, with the experience we have in the dressing room, we can do that. It’s important that we put on a performance and hopefully if the performance is good enough then, come 90 minutes, we get the right result."
Glentoran boss Mick McDermott insists his boys will be ready -- they have yet to taste defeat this season.
“It's a huge game, as derby games always are,” he said. “I think for games like this one, are games everyone is prepared for. The players don't need me to remind them how much it means to the supporters. They're already well aware.
“Both teams will be ready to compete, as there is so much pride at stake. It's a special occasion that generate a wonderful atmosphere. But the truth is, in terms of the league, it's just three points.”
Meanwhile, Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin insists he faces a selection headache for tonight’s League clash with Larne at Inver Park.
McLaughlin fielded several his young guns – including Sean Moore, Jamie Robinson and Odhran Casey -- in the Shield penalty shootout defeat by Linfield in midweek and his warned, they are now ready to make the step up.
“I was delighted with the boys, it was probably the youngest every team we’ve put on the pitch,” he said. “I’ve warned the senior guys that these lads are now coming for their places. They have given me something to think about ahead of the Larne game that’s for sure.
“It will be another tough night . . . you know what you are going to get at Inver Park.”
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