CO ANTRIM SHIELD FINAL: Jeffrey wary of Crues threat
DAVID Jeffrey has warned his players of the potential pitfalls that lie in wait at The Oval.
The Blues are preparing for a massive Paddy Power County Antrim Shield clash with Crusaders on Tuesday evening.
The showdown on Mersey Street sees Jeffrey take on a Crusaders side struggling to find any consistency in the Carling Premiership.
Saturday's defeat to Institute saw Stephen Baxter's side go eight games without a win in all competitions.
It is a run that requires urgent attention, but Jeffrey believes the prospect of lifting the County Antrim Shield would erase all that's gone before.
"If anyone believes we are big favourites then they can think again," the Linfield boss said.
"I know Crusaders haven't been going through a great time of late, but the reality is that they beat us 1-0 at Windsor Park earlier in the season and they are still third in the league.
"So, while they are going through a bit of a dip at present., there is no better way to get back to winning ways than to do so in a major final against Linfield.
"The Crusaders players will need no motivation. The reality for our players is that we have to bring our A-game to the table. We need to be focused on winning the County Antrim Shield."
Jeffrey is also looking for his own players to start improving - the Blues have now gone three games without victory, including Saturday's draw with Dungannon.
"I was disappointed on Saturday to drop points," he added.
"While credit is due for coming from two goals down, overall our display wasn't good enough. So I will be looking for a big response on Tuesday."
Jeffrey has also hit out at the critics who continue to malign the County Antrim Shield as being a weak cup tournament.
"Regardless of what some people say, I think it is a very prestigious competition and the trophy is soaked in history," he blasted.
"It is a personal favourite of mine as the first senior trophy I won back in 1983 was when we beat Glentoran 4-1 at Windsor Park in the Shield final. So it holds a special place in my heart."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
