DOUGLAS IS A BABY BLUE FAN; JJB SPORTS PREMIERSHIP.

Byline: By ORLA BANNON

STEVEN Douglas is backing the baby Blues to keep Linfield's title hopes afloat over the festive period.

The champions have been decimated by injuries this season, yet have still managed to stay in the thick of the race for honours.

The likes of 16-year-old winger Aaron Burns and centre-back Billy Joe Burns represent the future of Linfield - but they have been pressed into action ahead of schedule and risen to the challenge.

"The young lads are doing very well, but they wouldn't be at the club if they were not up to standard," claimed Douglas.

"We are privileged to have a big squad, it's been to our advantage this last few years as we've pushed for trophies, and now it's helping us stay in the mix.

"We had 15 players missing from our first team squad last week, though we got a couple back this week. We have to dig deep.

"There is a lot expected of the young boys and they wouldn't be here if Davy didn't think they could do a job for the club."

David Jeffrey is loathe to pick out individuals for special mention, but he was delighted with Douglas' contribution on Saturday.

"Steven was top drawer at right-back, and when he went to centre-back he was equally assured. I was very pleased with him," he said.

On hearing the boss had been singing his praises Douglas quipped: "Not bad, that's the first time in six years!"

"A draw at Distillery was a good result," he added. "We might have pinched it, but the good news is we've closed the gap on Glentoran by a point. Five is still a big gap and it makes the Boxing Day game even bigger now."

CAPTION(S):

HIGH PRAISE Steven Douglas