'Any team in the country would be lucky to have them': Paul Owens believes former Linfield duo could still play in the top-flight
Paul Owens has no doubts that his former Linfield midfield duo still have what it takes to compete at Premiership level as Limavady United prepare for Friday night’s visit of the Blues in the Irish Cup.
Premiership big-boys Linfield make their way to Limavady’s temporary home at the Coleraine Showgrounds as the first game of the sixth-round of the competition gets under way.
It is set to be a fascinating tie as Championship leaders Limavady aim to cause an upset against the record holders of the competition.
The travelling support is set to see some familiar faces as the Lowry brothers, as well as Rodney Brown represented the Blues at earlier stages of their career.
The Lowry brothers in particular – Philip and Stephen – both enjoyed separate trophy-laden spells during their time at Windsor Park.
Young brother Philip won three league titles and three Irish Cups at Linfield, with Stephen also lifting a Gibson Cup and Irish Cup crown.
Despite the pair entering the twilight stages of their career and playing with each other for the first time in 19 years, Owens is adamant that they both could still shine in the top-flight.
"It's great, to be honest,” said Owens about managing Philip and Stephen.
"They're brilliant and they complement each other really, really well.
"We've heard so much over the years about who's the best player – but they're so different.
"For two centre midfielders, they are so different. Stevie can't do what Philly does, and we've tried that, and Philly can't do what Stevie does.
"But the two of them together as a pair, even with Alfie (Gaston) or Ruairi (Boorman) or whoever plays with them, I still think they're as good as anyone in the country.
"I've watched a lot of Premiership games and I think the two of them could comfortably play in the Premiership still.
"Yes, Philly is just out of the Premiership but Stevie is 39 now and the way he looks after himself, the way he conducts himself, I think any team in the country would be happy to have him.”
Linfield travel to the Ballycastle Road after reaching next month’s BetMcLean Cup, where they will face bitter rivals Glentoran.
With that in mind, Owens is expecting a tough assignment against David Healy’s men.
He added: “We are expecting a real test as they are the reigning Irish League champions.
"They are in a rich vein of form and they are unbeaten in their last seven games.
"We have a wee bit of experience in our team who have played in big, big games and we have younger players who are learning very fast.
“We are in good run of form ourselves, we’ve only lost one game since September, so we will go into it full of confidence.
"I have a lot of respect for Linfield and for David Healy, who I classify as one of the best managers in the country.
"He has had an unbelievable record since he’s taken charge...but we want to give it a rattle, it’s a one-off game and we are looking forward to it.”