Crusaders will be without influential striker Jordan Owens for Saturday’s crunch Irish Cup clash with Linfield.
The fifth round tie sees the finalists from the last two showpiece finals go head-to-head at Windsor Park.
Crusaders hitman Owens started a two-match suspension on Monday meaning he will miss the Irish Cup showdown and the Danske Bank Premiership game with Ballymena United on January 19.
The ban follows a straight red card picked up in the 2-2 league draw with Linfield on December 22.
Owens was dismissed following an off-the-ball incident with Albert Watson.
Also out of Saturday’s cup meeting is defender Craig McClean.
McClean has been handed a one-match ban after picking up five bookings.
Crues manager Stephen Baxter said his side can’t afford to dwell on the double suspension.
“These things happen during the course of the season. You have to cope with suspensions and injuries,.” he said.
“That’s why you have a squad of players and we will bring others in for Saturday’s game against Linfield.
“It is a massive cup game between two sides who have done well in the competition in recent years.
“We are meeting in the fifth round this season and it should be another big clash.”
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