David Healy won't be drawn on future of 'exceptional' Linfield star with full focus on silverware push
Linfield manager David Healy wouldn’t be drawn on the long-term future of talisman Matthew Fitzpatrick – but insists his star striker’s full focus is on rounding out this season on a high at Windsor Park.
Sunday Life Sport reported last weekend that Fitzpatrick’s Blues future is in doubt beyond this summer with the former Glenavon ace potentially in line for a return to work as a PE teacher after taking a career break to join Linfield in 2023.
Fitzpatrick’s departure would be a hammer blow to the Belfast club with the 31-year-old scoring 21 goals in all competitions this term alongside providing 14 assists – he sits second across the Irish League on both lists.
Despite the exploits of Joel Cooper last season, Fitzpatrick was named Linfield’s Player of the Year having netted 12 times in the league to help his side claim Gibson Cup glory.
Having endured a mixed start to life at Linfield, Fitzpatrick has now firmly established himself as a fan favourite and last January signed a new two-year contract extension.
Speaking at a media event ahead of their BetMcLean Cup final showdown with Glentoran on March 15, Healy said: “The last thing we want to be talking about is what happens at the end of the season or whatever else.
"Fitzy will be fully concentrated on the cup final and that's the way we'll leave it.”
Fitzpatrick’s form has been even more impressive considering the summer departure of Cooper to Coleraine and injury suffered by strike partner Kieran Offord in early-November.
Only Glens marksman Pat Hoban (26) has scored more goals than Fitzpatrick across all competitions this season.
In 14 matches throughout 2026, Fitzpatrick has netted 10 times to put Linfield back in the Premiership title race and Healy insists he has proven why the Blues boss stuck by him during tough times.
"Fitzy was exceptional last year,” added Healy. “This year he's basically had to do quite a lot by himself because of the injury to Kieran.
"Some of our other forward players could have, should have and hopefully still can step up to support and help, but Fitzy's contribution has always been good.
"I stuck by him so many times last year when there was people maybe questioning why, but you've seen why.
"His performance levels, his attitude, his commitment, his contributions have been exceptional.
"When you come to Linfield, be it as a player, be it as a coach, be it as a manager, until you get the critics off your back, you're always trying to prove people wrong.”