Ballymena set for a fresh look as Sky Blues host league leaders Larne

The Sky Blues play host after both teams were involved in midweek action as Ballymena United and Glenavon played out a 2-2 draw, whilst Larne and Linfield battled to a 1-1 stalemate at Inver Park.

Kearney labelled his side's performance as “lethargic” on Tuesday night as Sean Murray’s deflected strike earned them a share of the spoils against Michael O’Connor’s men.

Ballymena are currently playing catch-up in terms of Premiership commitments after a string of postponements and Kearney believes the busy schedule is starting to show in terms of tired personnel.

"It's not about excuses but I think it's a feast or a famine and we've gone through so few games, and then all of a sudden, I think Tuesday was our fourth game in 11 days,” he said.

“To be honest, for some of the guys out there, it looked it. I thought Fudzer (Fuad Sule) looked probably a yard off it in the first half. I was going to take him off nearly around 55-60 minute mark and then all of a sudden he found another lease of life.

“It's just about being careful with those players as well. We have different players coming in at different stages of fitness that aren't probably 30, 35, 40 games into a season, so we've just got to be careful of that as well.

“That's where probably the midweek games can be a killer at times. It's fine if you're going Saturday to Saturday you can get away with that.

"One midweek game is okay...but when you land a couple in quick succession, it can make it a little bit tougher.”

Larne’s lead at the summit of the Premiership table has been cut in recent weeks as Gary Haveron’s side are winless in their last four league outings after losing two and drawing two.

It means nearest challengers Coleraine, Linfield and Glentoran are all now within a matter of points of catching the Inver Reds as the title race heats up.

However, despite Larne’s winless run, Kearney is fully aware of the challenge ahead for his players in the Shane’s Hill derby.

He explained: “They are an absolute quality team. They're not sitting where they’re at in the league for no reason whatsoever.

“We played them here already a few weeks ago in the Irish Cup, and to be fair, I thought we were good that night and pushed them all the way and maybe unfortunate not to at least go to extra-time.

“But even at that, you know they're a top quality side and you know the threats that they have...so no doubt it'll be no different on Saturday.

“It has been probably similar bodies that have been out there for the last sort of three to four games, so we'll have to probably look at trying to freshen in areas to try and keep us as honest as possible.”