IRISH LEAGUE: Linfield defender Jimmy Callacher insists there is still plenty to fight for this season

Two late goals at Seaview saw the Blues fall to a 2-0 loss in what was a make-or-break clash as far as their title aspirations were concerned.

The defeat has left David Healy’s men eight points adrift of the Crues with just four games remaining.

Linfield’s Premiership dream may have hit the buffers at Seaview, but they still have next month’s Irish Cup final to whet their appetite.

“The cup final is always a big day, and it is something to look forward to and relish as a player,” Callacher said.

“Hopefully we can win some silverware, and put Linfield among the big trophies again.

“Linfield need to be winning trophies, and we have a chance to do that in the Irish Cup final.

“So we will focus on our remaining league fixtures and hopefully be ready for the final against Glenavon.”

Reflecting on last week’s defeat at Seaview, Callacher admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It is a tough one to take. We are so disappointed,” he added.

“We knew it would be a tough ask going to Seaview. But I think we had enough chances to go ahead, and then we got sucker punched with a long ball over the top.

“We just have to learn from it and move on to our next game against Coleraine. We have some big league games remaining and then the Irish Cup final which is massive. The title is in Crusaders’ hands now, but we will keep fighting.”