Philip Lowry has backed Limavady United manager Paul Owens to get his chance to manage in the top flight.

Lowry takes on his hometown club in the sixth round of the Irish Cup this afternoon hoping Crusaders avoid following Larne out of the competition at the hands of the Roesiders. The win over the Invermen in the last round was another impressive result for Owens to his CV.

After winning a treble on his return to The Showgrounds last season Owens' stock continues to rise as they eye back-to-back promotions to the Premiership. Lowry though has backed his good friend to get their one way or another.

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"I think Paul will get his chance to manage in the Premiership at some stage," said the Crusaders captain. "He's on a great trajectory. I'm not sure what he wants to do but I know he's highly ambitious.

"I certainly thought they were capable of causing an upset against Larne because I know Paul well and I know how methodical he is and how much work he puts into it.

"I think he will be a manager that a lot of clubs in the top league will be looking at. There are some huge clubs local to this area. I'm sure Paul is ready for the challenge, just look at his record and the trophies he's won and the promotions he's had.

"He's a fantastic young manager who has a really good opinion on the game and he likes to play it the right way. I've never met a man who thinks more about football than Paul. He'll be texting you stuff at all hours of the day, he never stops and people like that get their rewards."

Limavady are a side packed with Premiership experience and one player who Lowry knows particularly well - his brother Stephen. "If you look through the spine of their team they have Stephen, Ian Parkhill, Joe McCready, Graham Crowne and Marty Gallagher," he said. "They are players who have all played at the top level and they know how to get a job done.

"The recruitment has been spot on and they have a lovely blend of experience and some top young talent. It's going to be a really tough game and one we need to win.

"All our family will probably be there. Myself and Stephen probably thought the days of playing against each other were maybe over, but the way Limavady are playing we might see them up in the top league next season. We've had some good battles down the years and we'll go again in the last-16 of the Cup on Saturday.

"It's all to play for and I'm sure it's a tie they're relishing. They will be looking at the tie with absolutely no fear. It's a free hit for them going to Seaview and it won't intimidate them. If we don't do our homework and play at our best we'll be turned over. It's as simple as that."

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