Linfield and Coleraine to clash in Irish Cup Final

Linfield boss David Healy is hoping to put last year's Irish Cup final misery behind him as his side prepare to face Coleraine.

But he's admitted he may never get over the fact his team were beaten 2-0 by Glenavon last May.

"It's fresh in my mind as if it happened last week. And the hurt I felt after that final whistle will certainly drive me on to make sure I do my utmost and the players do theirs and hopefully bring the trophy back."

Still in his first full season in charge, Healy has already won the Irish Premiership and the County Antrim Shield.

"I've spoken to the players about making sure other teams don't win trophies on our pitch."

"I want more trophies, I want more silverware, and I want to prove to people that this Linfield team can go out and perform in a big cup final."

Standing in Linfield's way though will be a young and resilient Coleraine side.

European football is already guaranteed after an impressive third place finish, which included a league win over Linfield at Windsor Park.

Manager Oran Kearney says that experience will be useful for the showpiece event.

"I think it's a big boost, especially with younger players to have already come here and cracked it. It's really important psychologically to know we can come here and put in a performance to win a cup final."

Youth has been a prominent theme for the Bannsiders this season, and Kearney thinks his young squad can handle the pressure.

"To be honest I fear older players more. The older I got in my playing career, the more I would think about the match. The more finals I played in, the more nervous I would get beforehand. So I honestly have no fear over our young players, I think they will absolutely hit the ground running and play without fear."