Linfield ace Chris Shields accepts fans' frustration as he sends out message

Chris Shields admits he "gets" why Linfield's fans are frustrated right now, but insists Friday night's derby defeat isn't the end of the world.

The Blues fell to a 1-0 loss at the Oval, with Marcus Kane's goal earning 10-man Glentoran a huge morale-boosting victory in East Belfast.

Despite slipping up to their fierce rivals for a second time this season, David Healy's men hold a healthy five-point lead at the top of the Irish Premiership as they approach the busy festive season.

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Their lofty position at the top still hasn't protected Healy and his players from criticism from some fans. The Blues boss hit back at some of the flak after their recent win over Carrick Rangers, urging the club's supporters to be more mindful of the negative effect it can have on his squad.

Shields has also urged fans to remain upbeat.

"We didn't get the result we wanted. The league has been quite topsy turvy this year and everyone seems to be so inconsistent," Shields told BBC Sportsound.

"Look, I get the frustration from our fans and the result hurt us for the weekend. But I wouldn't get too down on it just yet."

He added: "It was such a frustrating night. The first half was poor from ourselves and it probably wasn't the greatest game of football you'll ever see.

"There's just a sense of great dissatisfaction that we haven't come away with a point. We had enough chances and weren't clinical enough in front of goal..

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"That's down to us and we have to own that. But for me there were two clear penalties which we didn't get.

"If we had VAR then I see two clear cut for Linfield. I am standing at the back and see them.

"I know in the atmosphere it isn't easy for the referees. I thought Tim Marshall was right with the sending off.

"We don't have VAR and I am happy we don't have it."

Linfield are attempting to capitalise on Larne's slow start to the season. The champions currently sit ninth in the standings, 14 points behind but with four games in hand.

The Invermen's European commitments have arguably contributed to their inconsistent campaign so far, while the club has just announced the arrival of new manager Nathan Rooney to replace Tiernan Lynch who joined Derry City.

Shields says he can appreciate the juggling act Larne are performing this term, having played in the group stages of European football himself with Dundalk.

But he also insists the "onus" is on Linfield to deliver a first Gibson Cup since 2022.

He added: "It is a hard juggling act. I've done it twice before (with Dundalk) and it is no easy feat whatsoever.

"Larne have a game on Thursday and then again on Sunday. It is very hard on the bodies, and it's tougher than people may think.

"But whether Larne are playing in Europe or not, at Linfield we are expected to win the league and the past two years probably isn't good enough. Especially last year when we were in a good position but didn't finish the job.

"So the onus is on us to win the trophy back this year."

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