Martin Donnelly hopes he has nudged his way into David Healy’s thoughts for today’s showdown with Coleraine at Windsor Park.
The 33-year-old joined Linfield in the summer from Larne after a dressing bust-up with Inver Park manager Tiernan Lynch.
Having been handed a cameo role in the opening league game of the season against Crusaders, Donnelly started for the first time in the midweek League Cup win at Ballyclare Comrades.
He was instrumental in helping the Blues to a 4-0 victory and is hoping he did enough to encourage Healy (inset) to stick with him for today’s crunch outing.
“I’m thrilled to be here and I’m really buzzing to get going,” said Donnelly. “I got my first start in midweek, and it was great.
“It was just good to get a run out and play with the lads. It’s usually a tricky game against Ballyclare, especially as the gaffer made so many changes to the side.
“But we passed the ball very well and it was the case of getting the job done and making sure we were in the hat for the next round.”
Donnelly admitted he faces a fight to nail down a first team shirt with so much quality at the club.
He added: “There is a fabulous squad here. I knew there was a big challenge up ahead when I signed.
“There are so many good players, the likes of Kirk (Millar), Jordan Stewart, Jamie Mulgrew, Chris Shiels and Christy Mazinga.
“That’s what Linfield is, it’s a top, top club. They win trophies year in, year out.
“I wanted to be a part of that, whether that means coming on from the substitutes’ bench or whether I’m in the team, I know I must work as hard as I can.
“When I fell out with Larne, David made the telephone call. There was only one team I was going to go to.”
Although it’s still early days in the League campaign, Donnelly insists today’s clash is vital for both clubs.
“We’re up against another top team,” he adds.
“Coleraine have been pushing for the title over the past few seasons.
“But we must focus on our own game. We take it one game at a time and hopefully we can keep pushing on.
“There is nothing easy in this league. You can’t afford to take your eye off the next game, that’s the way this league is structured.
“There are now more clubs going full-time, the quality is improving all the time.
“The game is getting better, and it’s played at a faster pace, it’s a lot more professional that it was before.”
