Former Linfield star Mark Haughey believes the Blues have fully embraced a rare occasion of being able to fly under the radar with Premiership title expectations largely placed on rivals Larne and Coleraine – but insists with David Healy setting standards, they’re “definitely contenders” for Gibson Cup glory.

With Coleraine compiling a star-studded squad and finishing just three points behind champions Larne, who collected their third title across four seasons, a large majority of predictions focused on the aforementioned duo.

After Linfield started the campaign with a shock 3-0 home defeat to Ballymena United, those feelings grew even stronger, but Healy’s men have roared back in impressive fashion, putting together a 12-game unbeaten league run – that streak includes statement away wins at both of their main rivals.

No team has collected more points at home (15) or conceded fewer goals (10) so far this term than the Blues, who welcome Dungannon Swifts to Windsor Park on Saturday.

placeholder image — Linfield manager David Healy. (Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

During Haughey’s successful eight-year association with Linfield - which ended in 2021 with four league titles and two Irish Cups – they entered virtually every season with a target on their back.

While pressure naturally comes with the territory of playing for Northern Ireland's most successful club, Haughey feels Healy will enjoy the focus being elsewhere.

"At the start of the season there was a bit of discontentment about certain players leaving and a lack of signings,” Haughey told the News Letter. “They didn't get off to a good start in the league losing to Ballymena, but they have went quietly about their business, which is a good thing.

"Usually it’s Linfield in the headlines every week, but with the hype around Coleraine and Larne...I’m sure David is happy about that and wouldn’t want people like me talking about them too much!

"All the eyes have been on Coleraine and the squad they have assembled. I'm sure Linfield are delighted with how things are going so far.

"Not a lot of people have been talking about them, but as you get closer to the top of the table, of course that's going to change, which is just part and parcel of playing for Linfield.

"I think this run shows the quality in the squad and the mindset within it, and David sets that standard.

"They've got two massive away wins against Coleraine and Larne already...they'll take satisfaction from that and will just want to keep picking up points every week.”

Linfield have moved within striking distance of leaders Coleraine, who could increase their two-point advantage against Glentoran on Friday, and opened up a gap of nine to Larne – the Inver Reds hold two games in hand.

With experience of winning titles in different ways, Haughey is clear Linfield are in the mix – but insists the Blues won’t be concerning themselves with table matters at this stage.

“Linfield are always going to be in that conversation of winning the title,” added Haughey. “At Linfield, you're not looking at the table until maybe after Christmas time.

"Getting beyond that period is vital for any club that's wanting to go on to win the title, that's when the fixtures pile up.

"Linfield have always got a good squad and a good mix of experience, quality and young players coming through as well.

"They're definitely title contenders, they're always going to be every year, no matter what the thought is about the squad or results at the start of the season – they always seem to bounce back and put themselves in the mix.”