Jim Magilton admits he finds some of the criticism aimed at David Healy as "unbelievable".

Healy's Linfield have come in for some flak this season for their brand of football, but after 24 games played they sit a mammoth 15 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership.

The Blues are on the rebound after Larne's back-to-back Gibson Cup successes in the past two years, but Healy's side have proved their consistency this term to sit in pole position as we approach the business end of the campaign.

Next up for Healy is the visit of Magilton's Cliftonville to Windsor Park on Saturday evening. The last time the sides met in the league was back in October when the Reds claimed a spirited 2-1 win at the international stadium.

"The criticism aimed at David is unbelievable, in my opinion. Unbelievable," Magilton said.

"For a manager whose first job is Linfield, and he has been there nine or 10 years. Look at his track record and the teams he has produced.

"Look at the games he's won, the leagues he's won. I think he has done a magnificent job.

"I think he deserves a lot of credit. He has taken a lot of heat which comes with the territory. At Linfield you have to finish first.

"He has produced fantastic teams and players, and he and his staff are doing a great job.

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"It is amazing that people think they are not doing well, and they are 15 points clear. David will use that as fuel and that will continue from now to the end of the season."

Despite heaping praise on his pal and former Northern Ireland teammate, Magilton will be determined to add some pressure onto Healy's shoulders on Saturday.

The Reds currently sit fifth in the table, 20 points adrift of the Blues.

Magilton hopes his players can raise their own levels at Windsor, just like they did back in October.

He said: "October is probably as well as we've played this season. We have flattered to deceive at times.

"After that game we wanted to bounce on and it never really happened. A repeat of that would be wonderful, but I am sure Linfield will have learned lessons from last time.

"We just need to go with the same mentality and same positive nature. We have got to play our brand of football against their wonderful brand of football.

"We need to build momentum and a head of steam. We have a League Cup final to look forward to as well.

"It is a wonderful game to play in. The players relish these games and they raise their levels when they go there, and quite rightly so.

"They are league leaders and having a fantastic season. We have to stand up and be counted."

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