Lindsay aims for Shield slot

The Linfield defender went to hospital on Saturday night after sustaining a clash of heads during the match at Donegal Celtic, but thankfully his scan came up all clear.

"Kris clashed heads with Michael Gault and was taken to Lagan Valley Hospital on Saturday," said manager David Jeffrey.

"He had a further X-ray at the Ulster Hospital on Monday that indicated there was no fracture, so Kris should be available for the final. However, Philip Lowry is very doubtful with an ankle injury."

The Blues will also be without striker Peter Thompson after it was learned on Monday that he was ruled out because Shield rules say players are ineligible if they have "played for any team in a cup game in connection with any other association in the same season".

Peter has played for Stockport County in the FA Cup this season.

However, Jeffrey was upbeat about the game. "It's the first cup final of the season and a chance for us to win a trophy. It is a very even final, Crusaders are a very good team and it will take nothing short of our best to edge past them," said Jeffrey.

"The Shield is a personal favourite of mine. It was my first senior medal here, away back in 1983. I joined the club in 1982 and we beat Glentoran 4-1, so it's a trophy I hold great affection for me, for that reason.

"We go into the final on the back of a very good performance in the Irish Cup, but we know just how strong and determined the Crues will be."