Michael Newberry has set his sights on playing in an Irish Cup final, with the hope that it comes sooner rather than later.
The defender was an unused substitute when the Blues last lifted the trophy following their 2-1 win over Larne at Mournview Park back in 2021.
Now he wants a taste of the action, but there's the small matter of Warrenpoint Town standing in his way in what has the potential to be a bit of a banana skin for Linfield at Windsor Park this afternoon.
Read next: Tiernan Lynch hails 'unique deal' as two new signings arrive with one departure
Newberry, who produced a Man of the Match display on his return to action in the hard-fought goalless draw on Monday, is expecting a tough test against the Point, who were relegated from the Premiership at the end of last season.
"I've never played in the Irish Cup final so I'd love to do that," said the former Newcastle United man.
"Warrenpoint Town will be a tough test for us though. They are an aggressive team and strong.
"It will probably be the same as it was against Coleraine.
"Everyone will have to get stuck in and grind it down to the 90th minute.
"Pressure is what you make of it yourself. I'm the sort of player who likes pressure in every game but everyone is different."
The centre back certainly showed no sign of pressure when he stepped in for the injured Jimmy Callacher against the Bannsiders.
Newberry is determined to make the most of his chance as he knows Callacher and Ben Hall will both be pushing for a starting spot once back to full fitness again.
"It was nice to get that but I was just trying to fill Jimmy's place in the team because he's been playing really well over the last few weeks," he said.
"He's been one of our main men so it was pleasing to come in and not make the team worse.
"There's four of us pushing for two places.
"Ben is obviously pushing to get back in the side again now and we'll need everyone as we've eight games coming up in January."
The County Antrim Shield final against Larne is one of the big games this month coupled with the Irish cup and six important league games.
After a stuttering start the Blues are right back in the mix for trophies and Newberry says it is all down to them sticking together as a team.
"We're right back in the mix, but we've worked hard for it," he said.
"We had a bad patch but we stayed together as a team and got through it.
"It didn't matter if you were starting games or in the squad we all stuck together and now we're getting the rewards for it."
READ NEXT:
Belfast man completes 50 half-triathlons in one year to blitz world record
Roy Carroll using mental health battle to help young players chart careers
Donegal players must step up following Michael Murphy retirement says Paddy Carr
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
