Kirk Millar on song for Linfield yet again

Millar has earned the moniker of ‘Assist King’ given his ability to leave goals on a plate for his Blues’ teammates.

He clocked up a very impressive tally of 25 last season in all competitions, and he got up and running for this term with by setting up the winner for Jordan Stewart in last Saturday’s win over Ballymena United.

Millar also got on the goal sheet at The Showgrounds, with Healy delighted with the performance from his wide man.

“Kirk certainly gets the plaudits from myself and the staff, and more importantly the players that he plays with,” he said.

“His delivery of crosses, the delivery for the third goal against Ballymena, running on a heavy pitch before putting it bang on the money.

“He has been vitally important for us over the last three or four years. He never stops running, he scores goals - I want him to score more - but his delivery and work ethic is the most important thing.”

Saturday’s victory over Ballymena made it two wins from two for Linfield, but Healy knows tonight’s clash at home to Crusaders - who also have a 100 per cent record - will pose another difficult test.

“They have match winners all through their team,” he said.

“They have players in their squad who have been over the course and distance who understand what it takes and needs to win games of football and be successful through a long season.

“We’re under no illusions how difficult a challenge it will be.

“If we perform to a level that we can do against any team I’m always more than hopeful that we can take the three points, and I’ll be expecting that on Friday.”

Crues maintained their maximum points haul with a narrow win over north Belfast derby rivals Cliftonville last Friday night.

Boss Stephen Baxter though felt his side deserved to pick up all three points in the end.

“I counted seven or eight brilliant chances that we created against Cliftonville,” he said.

“We put them under immense pressure and their goalkeeper made two or three outstanding saves.

“We were very pleased with our performance, we were the dominant team, and I think we ran out worthy winners.

“If you told me we would win our first two games I would have bitten your hand off for it.

“There’s no bigger test than at Windsor - we don’t think it’s a scary place to go and if you want to challenge for it you have to beat the best.”