David Healy admits dipping into the January transfer window can be a bit of a roulette wheel as far as signings are concerned. The Blues boss is weighing up his options ahead of what could be a crucial Christmas and New Year period.

Linfield have stretched 11 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership as they prepare for Saturday's clash with Glenavon, but Healy insists it would be foolish for the club to rest on its laurels.

Most of this week's transfer chatter has revolved around Joel Cooper's expected move to Coleraine. When that happens remains to be seen, with Cooper reportedly having already signed a pre-contract with the Bannsiders.

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The winger is suspended for Saturday's showdown with Paddy McLaughlin's Glenavon, but there is more positive news with striker Robbie McDaid closing in on a welcome return from long-term injury alongside last year's Player of the Year Kyle McClean.

Looking ahead to January's transfer window, Healy said: "Every January is difficult. Every manager is looking.

"When you bring people in, there is always a reason why they're leaving their parent club.

"Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't. We have struck lucky before, and some haven't worked out."

"We have to be more selective this January and assess the squad. We are due to get Kyle McClean back and also Charlie Allen. Scot Whiteside is also nearing a return."

McDaid suffered a cruciate ligament injury just 40 games into his Linfield career, and in his comeback game for the club's Swifts he ruptured his Achilles.

Healy added: "It's about finding the right timing for Robbie and making sure in the meantime that he is topping up his minutes on the training pitch and getting that confidence back. That's all we can do with Robbie over the next few weeks.

"It is like a new signing having him back, and he is desperate to get out there. We named him on the bench against Dungannon a couple of weeks ago when the game was called off. I think he was a bit frightened because it has been so long since he played.

"Robbie is hugely popular and he is brilliant in the changing room and is a brilliant pro. The players are delighted to have him back and they just want him back fit and healthy."

Linfield earned a 1-0 win over Dungannon Swifts on Tuesday night, while Glenavon recorded their first success under new boss McLaughlin in a 3-1 victory over Crusaders.

Healy said: "I was pleased to get the outcome on Tuesday and now we move onto Glenavon. They got their first win under Paddy in midweek. It wasn't going to take him long to do that.

"They look as if they kicked on against Crusaders and we look forward to that challenge on Saturday."

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