And while team boss, John Gregg, was delighted to record his first victory of the season with last Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Coleraine at the Riverside Stadium, he’s the first to admit that the “Blues” have struggled during the opening two games of the season.

“I’ve no doubt that David Jeffrey will be doing all in his power to get his season up and running having scored a late equaliser in Dungannon in midweek and he will be fully focused on our visit to Windsor Park on Friday night,” noted Gregg.

But he refused to give up any hope of taking something from the game.

“Maybe it’s a good time to play them, but one can’t ignore the quality of their squad. Thankfully we placed our first three points on the board against Coleraine and that victory will give us confidence as we travel to Windsor Park,” he claimed.

“There’s no doubt that match will prove a major test for us but, at the same, we’ve absolutely nothing to lose and one thing about playing Linfield, we’ll enjoy a decent surface and we’ll concentrate on playing to the best of our ability and try to build on our recent victory.

“I’m hoping that the players will relax, play the type of football they are capable of and enjoy the game. I feel the lads are ready for it now that the Bangor disaster is behind us as I couldn’t fault the effort put in and the character shown in the Coleraine match,” added Gregg.

Injury Problems

However, the ‘Stute boss isn’t without his problems on the injury front with John O’Loughlin, Ruairi McClean and Paul Brown all set to miss the fixture - all three having departed the Coleraine match with injuries.

“Paul Brown has two broken toes and will not play which, no doubt, will prove a major loss for us. John and Ruairi are also struggling to make but they will have pre-match tests to check on their fitness before the team is selected,” concluded Gregg.

There’s no doubt that given Brown’s absence will prove a major blow given his opening performances, particularly the part he played when leading the front line against Crusaders.

However, with Paddy McLaughlin and David Ogilby both proving particularly effective against Coleraine in midweek, Stute have that solid look at the back, a vital component when one faces a match against Linfield.

Calvin Mooney looked particularly busy against Coleraine and he will have a major part to play this evening. Indeed, with Brown, Ryan McCready and Declan Divin all expected to miss the match, Mooney may find himself spearheading the Institute attack with Gregg opting to flood the midfield area.