IRISH LEAGUE: David Jeffrey wants Sky Blues to show no mercy' against Warrenpoint Town

The former Linfield chief took charge of the Sky Blues for the first time last weekend and was thrilled to come away from Crusaders, the home of the Danske Premiership champions, with a scoreless draw.

Jeffrey can expect a warm welcome when he walks out in front of the home fans this week, but he knows nothing other than three points will be sufficient as his boys attempt to reel back the teams ahead of them in the table.

“I was delighted with the boys’ response at Seaview . . . they did all I asked of them,” said Jeffrey, who again has his trusted friend, Bryan McLoughlin, as his number two. "I basically told them to go out and give it their best. I asked them to work hard and to believe in themselves. They showed great heart and great courage.

“We didn’t ‘park-the-bus’ by any stretch of the imagination. Crusaders are a quality side, but we matched them all over the park. And, the stats will tell you we also had a few decent chances.

“The boys really worked their socks off and got what they deserved.”

United will face a different challenge when Barry Gray brings his boys to the Braid.

“Warrenpoint have done fantastically well to get themselves back into the relegation fight . . . they were written off earlier in the campaign," added Jeffrey.