Jim Ervin fully expects David Healy and Linfield to do their talking on the pitch in the face of criticism from some quarters.

Last week's Irish Cup exit at the hand of Big Two rivals Glentoran drew the ire of some fans despite the Blues huge lead at the top of the Irish Premiership.

They currently lead the way by a massive 19 points and Ervin, who spent a decade as a player at Windsor Park, believes any criticism is unjustified.

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"When you look at David Healy's record it speaks for itself," said Ervin, whose Ballymena United side take on Linfield tonight. "The criticism of the fans and the frustration of the fans which he comes under to a degree when you're involved with Linfield you expect it because the demands and the expectations are so high.

"At the same time when you look at what he's done and what he's achieved it's hard to understand how he gets the criticism he does. He handles it so well and he always comes out fighting, but he just doesn't come out fighting by what he says, he comes out fighting by how his teams play.

"I wish I had a pound for every time I heard someone say 'it's not a great Linfield side'. If it's not a great Linfield side and they're 19 points clear at the top of the league what does that say about everybody else?

"I admire him so much. He's been absolutely fantastic with me since I came into the league in the different talks and chats we've had. He's one that can bat the criticism off and say that it comes with the territory of managing Linfield, and credit to him for how he handles it. When you're sitting 19 points clear you don't really need to say too much do you?"

It was a busy January for Ervin with Kian Corbally, Conor Barr, Success Edogun, Duncan Idehan and Shane Flynn arriving at The Showgrounds, but the Sky Blues boss said the window was not without its challenges.

"When you look at the players available and every club is looking for these players so it's a real battle to get to the front of the queue and get them over the line especially when you have the full-time environment too," said Ervin. "You're always going to lose players to that, especially when those clubs come on board and start speaking to them.

"We looked far and wide and spoke to many players but it has to be the right fit for the individual but it also has to be the right fit for the changing room and the club as well regarding the financial side of things because you have to live within your means, you can't spend something you don't have.

"You always have those different dynamics when you're speaking to a player and when you're up against other clubs. We're pleased with what we've brought in and we're looking forward to the new guys hopefully hitting the ground running."

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