FOOTBALL: Jeffrey on Patterson alert
LINFIELD manager David Jeffrey admits his team will be on "Rory Patterson alert" ahead of tonight's massive Carling Premier League test against Coleraine at the Showgrounds.
Jeffrey put the hotshot under the microscope in last week's Co-operative Insurance Cup semi final against Dungannon Swifts.
But worringly, Jeffrey stressed: "Coleraine are no one-man-band because they have a number of other match winners."
Strabane-based Patterson has developed the habit punishing Linfield's Big Two rivals Glentoran, having netted seven goals in his last two games against the east Belfast side, where he will be plying his trade next season.
Jeffrey, whose team trail league leaders Cliftonville by only two points, said: "Patterson has been capturing all the headlines, and rightly so, with his goals – 28 or 29 this season.
"But they also have Stephen Carson, Darren Boyce – players like Patterson with great pace. Jody Tolan is playing great stuff..
"And, with the influential Tommy McCallion in midfield, he is another player that gets his fair share of goals. So we will have our work cut out."
Jeffrey will be forced to reshuffle his pack following the 5-0 thrashing of Distillery at Ballyskeagh.
Jamie Tomelty required stitches on a foot wound, while Michael Carvill begins a three game suspension. Damien Curran returns to the squad, having served a suspension.
"We'll take a head count before the game," added Jeffrey.
"Jamie will not make it – his problem is more of a puncture wound. His foot is still badly swollen. Damien will step in.
"Other than that, we'll be along similar lines to the squad that was on duty at the weekend.
"We are aware of Coleraine's pace, but we have experienced players that know what is required."
Coleraine manager David Platt is confident Boyce and Carson will be in his starting eleven – although new signing Sammy Morrow will miss out.
"Both have been carrying little injuries," said Platt. "Darren has been nursed along with a thigh strain and he has been used sparingly.
Stephen sustained an ankle injury late in the game against Dungannon.
"Unfortunately, Sammy's transfer clearance from Derry City hasn't been processed, so he will not be available.
"This will be another massive test for us against a Linfield side that has been scoring goals for fun in recent games. But we have made the Showgrounds a fortress this season with only one defeat in 15 games. We want to maintain that record."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
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