Football: Healy still in the market for 'one or two' new faces in January

The Linfield boss has already signed Ethan McGee from Dungannon

David Healy with December's Manager of the Month Award.
Author: Gareth McCulloughPublished 12th Jan 2024

David Healy says he's still in the market for more players in the January transfer window.

The Linfield boss was speaking after picking up the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Manager of the Month award for December.

The Blues made a poor start to the month with a 4-0 defeat to Glentoran at The Oval, but bounced back to claim league wins over Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Coleraine before gaining revenge on their Big Two rivals on Boxing Day.

Healy's men also drew with champions Larne in the league and knocked the Invermen out of the BetMcLean Cup via a penalty shootout.

It puts his side four points clear of reigning champions Larne at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership table, though Tiernan Lynch's men can narrow that gap to just one if they win away to Crusaders tonight (7.45pm). Linfield are away to Loughgall tomorrow.

Having already secured the signature of highly-rated youngster Ethan McGee from Dungannon Swifts, Healy says there's still room for 'one or two' more to join his squad at Windsor Park this month.

"We're looking, and even when the window's closed, you're always looking for the next opportunity.

"Do we want to add to the squad? Yes, probably one or two and it's probably not going t be any more than that," he revealed.

"But they have to be the right fit. The players that have stepped in when others have been injured or suspended over the last couple of months have been a credit to themselves.

"You don't want to leave those young players out because, not only is it beneficial to them now getting the game time, it's going to beneficial for them going forward next season and the year after," Healy feels.

"We have to make sure we give them enough 'airtime' to go and perform."

On picking up another Manager of the Month award, the Blues boss says he's proud of how his players reacted to their poorest display of the current campaign at the start of December.

"Considering our level of performance against Glentoran at The Oval, there was a massive contrast between the start of the month and the end of it," added Healy, who wins the award for the 17th time in his managerial career.

"I think beating Larne on penalties in the cup a few days after the Glentoran loss helped. That allowed us to move on quickly from that defeat and enjoy a good month.

"We can look back on December with some pride, considering the amount of games and the quality of opposition we faced."