Keeper crisis at Linfield

Alan Mannus was injured in the game against Glenavon

Reserve goalkeeper Gregg Shannon could be thrust into the Irish League spotlight on Saturday because of the lengthening injury list at Linfield.

The Blues first choice keeper Alan Mannus was injured during Tuesday night's CIS League Cup quarter-final against Glenavon.

Mannus had to go off following a second half collision with former Northern Ireland international Gerard McMahon and striker Glenn Ferguson took over in goal.

The Linfield keeper sustained a badly bruised thigh and was due to go to hospital for a full examination.

David Jeffrey expects a tough game against Omagh

With deputy keeper Robert Robinson still sidelined with an ankle injury, 21-year-old Shannon should get his big chance in Linfield's important home game against Omagh Town.

"We are worried about Alan - he does not come off the pitch easily," said Linfield manager David Jeffrey.

"He was in absolute agony.

"Glenn went into goal because he volunteered and it allowed us to keep the shape of the team.

"Hugh Dickson was originally going to do it but it worked better with Glenn because we could bring Chris Morgan on up front."

Linfield are currently third in the Premier Divsion table but victory at Windsor Park on Saturday would see them leapfrog over Omagh into second.

"At the monent the lague table says Omagh are above and they deserve to be there," said Jeffrey.

"They will make it difficult us.

"Roy McCreadie will want a performance from his players after their defeat to Glentoran.

"We will have to pull out all the stops to get something from this game."