We’ll bounce back insists Ferguson

Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson believes Saturday's League Cup final against Cliftonville will be more of a nail-biter than many people predict. Picture: Press Eye.

Just seven days after losing to Cliftonville in a thrilling decider, the Sky Blues are back at Windsor Park this Saturday to face title-chasing Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership (3pm).

“The boys were gutted to lose the final but we have to bounce back quickly,” said Ferguson, who hopes that new signing Paddy McNally will provide an answer to the defensive problems which have plagued Ballymena’s season.

“I thought it was tough at the start of the season trying to get a striker in but getting a defender is equally tough.

“But Linfield have probably got the biggest pulling force in this country for bringing players in and they have had to go to England to do that,” said Ferguson, who may again consider switching Jim Ervin from full-back to the centre of defence.

“I had no hesitation in putting him in there because I knew Jim had the pace to cover in behind Johnny Taylor when he had to.

“It certainly gives us food for thought against Linfield when it will be something similar as they have quick, pacey players, said Ferguson, who is once again likely to have two-goal cup final hero David Cushley on the bench, insisting the winger is “nowhere near ready to be starting and playing 90 minutes” as he recovers from knee surgery

* Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport to Saturday’s match leaves Henry Street car park at 1.45pm. The club’s Joker promotion will be drawn prior to departure.