Crusaders are raring to go again says Stephen Baxter

Crusaders suffered a blow at Windsor Park last Saturday when they were beaten in the League Cup final by Coleraine.

But Baxter feels his boys will be well up for it when they head back to the same venue to try and cut the eight-point gap to the Blues.

“The boys are disappointed after the final but they will be right at it again, I’m sure of that,” said the Crues boss.

“Linfield have the momentum and they are a fabulous team but we’ve done well there before and it holds no fear.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position to challenge - we’re just a little bit off it maybe, but if we put a run together and get a little bit of momentum then we’ll be in there challenging,” he added.

“It’s going to be a a tough game and they are league champions but we will go to Windsor Park all guns blazing.”

David Healy’s side come into the game brimming with confidence having won their last three games on the bounce. Ace marksman Andy Waterworth has played a key role in those victories scoring five times.

“That’s five in three games now for Andy,” said Healy.

“When it comes to the business end of the season Andy always pops up with big important goals.

“I’m delighted for him as it gives him that extra bit of confidence too.”

Waterworth was on target in the 4-1 win at Ballymena United last week with Healy delighted with the result and performance ahead of tonight’s vital clash.

“I thought our all-round performance was excellent though and we fully deserved the three points,” said the Blues boss.

“Any time we play Crusaders it’s always a battle, sometimes it has been their game, sometimes it has been ours.

“One thing you can guarantee is that it will be a feisty game.

“But we can more than mix it with Crusaders and we look forward to it.”