Wounded Linfield bidding to bounce back

Instead of heading into the tie on a high, the shattering blow of losing the Co Antrim Shield final must now act as a spur.

Linfield will have Peter Thompson back in the front line after he was unable to play in the midweek final. Shield rules say players are ineligible if they have "played for any team in a cup game in connection with any other association in the same season".

Peter has played for Stockport County in the FA Cup this season.

If going to Institute is not testing enough, on Tuesday night the Blues head to the Oval for the rearranged Boxing Day clash with the Glens.

"We have two massive games coming up," says boss David Jeffrey. "We came so close to lifting the first trophy of the season. When you score so late you expect to hold out - but we allowed them to score from a throw in which was bitterly disappointing. It was a great match, but not so great when you loose.

"However, we have to forget about what might have been and look forward. We produced a good performance in the cup last Saturday and now we must concentrate on taking three points at Institute which is never an easy thing to do at any time.

"Tuesday night brings another meeting with our old rivals, but we will start thinking about that when we get Saturday out of the way."