'Gulf between Irish leagues is big' - Linfield boss Healy spells out difference on historic LOI night

GULF IN LEAGUES: Linfield boss David Healy admits the gulf between the two Irish leagues is ‘big’ after another European victory for a League of Ireland side. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Linfield boss David Healy admits the gulf between the two Irish leagues is ‘big’ after another European victory for a League of Ireland side.

Shamrock Rovers dished out a 4-1 hiding to Larne in last year’s Conference League and at the same Windsor Park venue, Shelbourne completed a 5-1 aggregate victory over his side.

The Reds also prevailed 2-1 in the first meeting of the teams in the Champions League six weeks ago.

Shels march on into Friday’s Uefa Conference league phase draw in Monaco whereas Linfield must wait another year to try and end their search for league phase participation.

“I hate losing but sometimes you have to suffer to respond in a positive manner and that’s my job now,” said the former Northern Ireland international, who played for Leeds United and Rangers.

“That was our most disappointing performance of the four against Shels and the most crucial and important one. Supposedly we were better off with fitness and performance into our season but we didn’t put it in practice. Shels managed the game well and scored at good times and that’s why they are champions.

“They were better than us 1 to 11."

Healy noted the seamless state of Shels from losing Damien Duff in June and promoting assistant Joey O’Brien.

He said: “The gap between the leagues is big. I don’t know how big but you look at Shamrock Rovers last year and Shels.

“People argue that Shels not doing well in league but they put a lot of effort into their European games.

“They lost their manager during the season but with Joey it looks like it hasn’t been a serious transition. But the gap is big.

“People will say our league should be full-time, can the opposition at times be a little stronger to prepare you.

“Drogheda United won the FAI Cup last year and moved to full-time whereas I understand some clubs in our league can’t afford to do that.

“We get asked all the time could our top six teams play in the LOI – and where they would finish.

“It’s a tough question and an even tougher answer. It’s an incredible night for the LOI and to have two teams in tomorrow’s draw.

“Congratulations to Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley and Joey O’Brien.”