BLUES RELISH THRILL OF CHASE

ANDY WATERWORTH is relaxed that Linfield are playing the role of hunter at this early stage of the Premiership.

The Blues are 10 points off leaders Coleraine heading into tonight’s high profile

Sky Sports showdown with Crusaders at Windsor Park.

But with 28 games to play, Waterworth knows there is plenty of time for the champions to reel in the high flying Bannmen.

The Crues, who suffered a 3-2 defeat to second placed Glenavon in their last league outing last weekend, lie a point behind the Blues and Glentoran in fifth.

Waterworth (right) said: “At the minute we’re 10 points behind Coleraine and it’s vital we start to reduce that as soon as possible.

“It’s also important to remember we were in a worse position last season when we had to chase down Crusaders for the title and we were able to do that.

“We are composed and know what we have to do. If we can put a run together we believe we can claw back the points deficit. Crusaders will be thinking the same.

“They are a point further back and saw Glentoran overtake them on Saturday. It’s maybe not a must win game for both clubs, but it’s a must not lose game.”

Linfield are looking to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat at leaders Coleraine, a game decided in contentious fashion when Jamie Mcgonigle’s late effort was adjudged to have crossed the line.

Waterworth said: “We all felt the goal shouldn’t have been given, but there is no point in moaning about it.

“It’s done and we have to get on with it and the only way to do that is to get the result defeats out of our system by going on a winning run.”