Linfield manager David Healy insists his side are “still well in the tie” despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Nomme Kalju in Thursday’s Conference League first qualifying round first-leg in Estonia.

Roko Vukusic’s strike just moments after the half-time break was all that separated the two teams at the Pardu Rannastaadion.

Linfield, who were playing their first competitive match of the season, pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a breakthrough.

In a welcome boost, striker Kieran Offord, who was their European hero on a number of occasions last season, made just a second competitive appearance since November after recovering from surgery on an ankle injury.

placeholder image — Linfield were beaten by Nomme Kalju in Estonia. (Photo by Pacemaker)

Chris Shields also captained the Blues in his first outing since suffering a serious injury against Glenavon in September.

Summer signing Ryan Nolan made his Linfield debut from the start while former Motherwell youngster Dylan Wells replaced Kirk Millar with 30 minutes to play to mark his maiden appearance.

Winning away in Europe isn’t an easy task – Linfield lost three and drew one of four matches on the road in continental competitions last summer but impressive form at Windsor Park helped them get within touching distance of League Phase football.

Healy was left disappointed his side couldn’t find a goal, but remains upbeat about their chances of progression ahead of Thursday’s reverse in Belfast.

"I thought we were well in the game, so there's a little bit of frustration and the players are disappointed, but I can take huge positives from the performance," Healy told the club’s media channel. "It was the first game in Europe, a difficult team to play against who want to play the game a bit longer, but we were aware of that coming in.

"The boys were prepared and the disappointing thing is we conceded a poor goal from a set-play. We weren't carved open and one or two chances got away from us."

Linfield have only lost three of their last 11 home matches in Europe, winning on six occasions, and will be hoping to add further to that impressive record next week.

Ahead of the crucial second-leg, Healy’s men face a pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon against Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen, who are managed by Northern Irishman Stephen Robinson.

Last month, fellow former Northern Ireland international Stephen Craigan joined Robinson’s coaching staff alongside leading the development of Aberdeen’s emerging talent.

Linfield will heavily rotate after only landing back in Belfast on Friday morning, but Healy feels facing Aberdeen will be a valuable exercise.

"I'm more than upbeat and the players are positive we are still well in the tie for next week," he added. "We'll do what we can and the friendly against Aberdeen, one or two of the starters will be involved on Saturday, some of the bench and some of the younger players.

"Stephen Robinson and Stephen Craigan are good friends and have given us the opportunity to play against them, but then in the back of the mind is getting boys minutes, getting boys ready and sharp, we have to maximise the opportunity."