Linfield manager David Healy says he has “huge respect” for Shelbourne – but insists reports linking him with a managerial switch to the League of Ireland outfit “was people putting two and two together and coming up with any number they want”.

The Irish Examiner reported on Friday that Shels were in “preliminary talks” with Healy over the top job at Tolka Park following Joey O’Brien’s exit.

However, the Dublin-based club, who Linfield will face in the Conference League’s second qualifying round if they overturn a 1-0 deficit against Nomme Kalju on Thursday, have now appointed John Russell.

Northern Ireland icon Healy has enjoyed a trophy-laden tenure at Windsor Park since his appointment in October 2015, winning six Premiership titles alongside four League Cup crowns and two Irish Cups.

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

The 46-year-old has previously been linked with a move away from the Blues – he rejected an opportunity to join Raith Rovers in 2024 and last year distanced himself from rumours suggesting he was interested in a job at Scottish Premiership side Dundee.

Healy committed his future to the Blues by signing a three-year contract extension in June 2025, telling the club’s media channel “the length of contract means there should be no confusion this time next year”.

Ahead of Thursday’s European second-leg in Belfast, Healy insists there wasn’t any communication about taking over at Shelbourne.

"I've huge respect for Shelbourne as a football club, I've been down to Shelbourne with Ross (Oliver, assistant manager) and Willie (McKeown, head of recruitment) a few weeks ago in preparation of us getting through this round and it was important to see them,” Healy told BBC Sport NI. “That's what it was.

"When you go down you sit with associates and club members, scouts and agents, but it doesn't mean you're sitting chatting about other things.

"There wasn't any communication club to club, it was people putting two and two together and coming up with any number they want."

Speaking after his Aberdeen side picked up a 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Linfield on Saturday, former Northern Ireland international Stephen Robinson stated his belief that Healy could climb the managerial ladder.

"Linfield fans won't thank me for saying this but I believe David definitely has the potential of stepping up in the managerial world," he told BBC Sport NI. "He has done brilliantly here winning every trophy going so I'm not surprised about the rumours surrounding his future."