Bannsiders hoping to spoil party of Premiership champions

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Coleraine goalkeeper Chris Johns and father, former Ireland rugby star, Paddy

Q Radio Sport

The stage is set for the biggest game of the season in local football. 

Linfield and Coleraine meet at Windsor Park on Saturday in the final of the Tennent's Irish Cup (kick-off 2.30pm). 

The Blues are hoping to complete the treble after clinching their first Danske Bank Premiership title in five years last week and winning the Toals County Antrim Shield earlier in the season.

The Bannsiders last won the Irish Cup in 2003, with Linfield's most recent success in 2012. 

David Healy's team were beaten by Glenavon in last year's final.

Eoin Bradley starred for the Lurgan Blues but is now back with Coleraine and is set for another cup final appearance this weekend. 

 

Goalkeeper Chris Johns is another key player - he's just been named Bannsiders' player of the year.

But he's praising his teammates and backs them to continue their fine form in the final.

Johns junior has an impeccable sporting pedigree - his proud father is former Ireland rugby hero, 59-times capped international Paddy Johns.

Linfield are on a 19-match unbeaten run, with 18 wins including one against the Bannsiders last month.

But Oran Kearney's men are the last team to beat them, back in January in Belfast. 

The Showgrounds side, who have only lost twice in their last 20 fixtures, finished third in the league and qualified for Europe. 

 

Blues boss Healy says it promises to be a great final.

Linfield have the title in the bag, but Healy rejects any suggestion it won't mean as much to win the cup.

 

Former Blues player Kearney says he has no problem with the showpiece game being staged at their opponents' home ground.

Original referee Raymond Hetherington is unable to officiate at the final due to illness.
He will be replaced by Keith Kennedy.

It's a controversial choice for some, but we asked Kearney if it's irrelevant who the man in the middle is?

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