Ferguson faces late selection calls for semi-final

The Ballymena United boss has a number of doubts for the Showgrounds clash (7.45pm), where Ballymena will attempt to reach their first major final for more than six years.

The biggest worries concern central defensive duo Johnny Taylor and David Munster, both of whom have niggly injuries.

Taylor injured his knee during Saturday’s 1-1 Danske Bank Premiership draw with Ballinamallard.

“It was when Johnny landed on the track he came down on his knee on the tarmac,” said Ferguson.

“We wanted to give Johnny five minutes at the start of the second half but as soon as he tried to run, it was no good.

“Davy Munster wouldn’t have played on Saturday even if he hadn’t been suspended as he had picked up a wee groin strain the previous week, so hopefully the suspension came at a good time.

“It’s a bit of a headache for Tuesday night but we’ll see who comes through and is available,” added Ferguson, who will also be without Mark Surgenor, following the midfielder’s red card late in Saturday’s game.

“It will be a difficult task for us and if we’re down one or two bodies, it will make it increasingly so.

“Donegal Celtic had a fantastic result against Glentoran at the weekend so they might well go into the game as favourites.

“Packie McAllister has got them organised and playing for the shirt.

“It’s a bad time to play them because players will be out to impress the new manager to stake a claim for a place and they might well have an extra 10 or 15 per cent to give.

“I asked our players in the dressing room after the game on Saturday how many of them have played in a final and only three or four of them put their hands up.

“Players have to grasp how big an opportunity they have to get into a final and if they don’t, they shouldn’t be playing football.

“If they don’t approach it in the right manner, prepare for it in the right way and go out and give 110 per cent to get into a final then they’re kidding themselves and they’re kidding me,” added Ferguson.

Supporters are reminded that season tickets are not valid for tonight’s semi-final or next Monday’s Irn Bru League Cup quarter-final at home to Linfield.

After tonight’s match, United are back in Danske Bank Premiership action on Friday night when they travel to Dungannon Swifts (7.45pm) in a match brought forward from the Saturday at Ballymena’s request in order to allow United’s players extra time to rest ahead of that Linfield clash.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Stangmore Park leaves Henry Street car park at 6.30pm sharp.