Ruaidhri Higgins finds criticism of David Healy 'strange' as Coleraine and Linfield are set to do it all over again
Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins says he cannot understand the level of criticism aimed at David Healy as the Bannsiders take on Linfield in a mouth-watering Premiership clash on Saturday.
The two teams meet for the second time in two weeks after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Coleraine Showgrounds on October 28.
Coleraine followed-up that point by earning all three against Glenavon several days later, before hitting seven goals in a midweek BetMcLean Cup victory against Armagh City.
Linfield were pushed all the way to extra-time at H&W Welders on Wednesday night, with Healy labelling the Blues’ last Premiership game at Cliftonville as “rubbish” after a scoreless draw at Solitude.
Reigning champions Linfield trail leaders Coleraine by 11 points – albeit with three games in hand – ahead of the showdown at Windsor Park.
Higgins stated that the criticism aimed Healy’s way “baffles” him and how investment elsewhere has helped other clubs compete with the Blues more regularly.
He said: “I remember even when David Jeffrey, remember them times really well, winning trebles, clean sweeps, and at times he was under pressure. David's not under pressure, far from it, he's got enough credit in the bank.
“I find it really strange...I think he's done an outstanding job at Linfield. A few years ago a kick of the ball away from the group stages of Europe.
“I've the utmost respect for him. He's a brilliant person as well, a really respectful man, he carries himself so well. I just think sometimes the grass isn't always greener.
“He deserves so much credit for the job he's done. That's the world that we live in and I think social media has a massive part to play in it
“For a long time, financially they would have had the power over everyone but they're on an even keel with some clubs now.
“Last year they won the league by such a margin against clubs who had really competitive budgets. People are very quick to forget that.”
The contest is set to be Joel Cooper’s first appearance at Windsor Park since he swapped Linfield for Coleraine in a high-profile move in the summer.
Cooper has certainly made an impact during his tenure in the north coast by hitting 10 goals in the Sports Direct Premiership – including a hat-trick in last weekend’s 5-1 victory over Glenavon.
"I just want Joel to enjoy his football and play with freedom,” Higgins continued.
“He's going back to his old club but it's a game of football at a brilliant venue against a really good team.
“So we're gonna go there and try and enjoy it and give a really good account of ourselves with him right at the heart of it.
"He's well on track to improve his numbers again, if we can keep him fit.
“I have to laugh when I hear people say he's had a quiet enough start to the season.
“He's not even an out and out striker, we don't play him that way, and he's got 10 goals in 14 games, think he's got four assists as well.
“God help teams if there's more to come from him.”