Linfield in line for major injury boost with 'key player' set to return after four-month absence

Offord, who joined the Blues from St Mirren last year, started the current campaign in stunning form, scoring three goals in six Conference League qualifying matches.

The 21-year-old also netted a hat-trick in Linfield’s opening league match of the season against Dungannon Swifts and followed it up with a winner at home to Cliftonville.

Offord has been out of action since November, but will now return at a crucial stage of the season as Linfield look to secure silverware glory in their BetMcLean Cup final showdown against ‘Big Two’ rivals Glentoran on March 15.

Former Crusaders loanee Offord could get minutes under his belt ahead of that showpiece decider at Windsor Park on Tuesday night and Healy admits it’s a massive boost.

"Kieran will be back, yeah,” said Healy. “Kieran's going to be a huge plus.

"Kieran will be involved in the Portadown game on Tuesday.

"He's been out for so long that sometimes, when other people are talking about teams missing key players and whatever else, Kieran started off the season as a key player.

"We've missed him for nearly 14 weeks so it'll be good to welcome Kieran back in some capacity on Tuesday night before the cup final.”

Another Blues striker returning to full fitness is Robbie McDaid, who has scored four goals in two matches for Linfield Swifts.

McDaid hasn’t made a senior appearance since April and a nightmare injury run has limited the 29-year-old to just five Premiership outings across the past three seasons.

"Robbie's played a few games...the most pleasing thing for Robbie is that he's fit,” added Healy. “He's had 90 minutes in total now in terms of the reserve games, that was key to Robbie.

"The most important thing for Robbie is that he remains in a good place, he remains fit, which then allows him to hopefully finish off the season as strongly as possible.”