'Linfield fans won't thank me': Ex-NI international feels David Healy can 'step up' amid Shelbourne links

The Irish Examiner said on Friday morning that League of Ireland outfit Shels had “opened preliminary talks” with Healy following the departure of Joey O’Brien – the News Letter reported how speculation over his future came as a surprise to the Blues. Northern Ireland icon Healy has enjoyed a trophy-laden tenure at Windsor Park since his appointment in October 2015, winning six Premiership titles alongside four League Cup crowns and two Irish Cups. The 46-year-old has previously been linked with a move away from the Blues – he rejected an opportunity to join Raith Rovers in 2024 and last year distanced himself from rumours suggesting he was interested in a job at Scottish Premiership side Dundee. Healy committed his future to the Blues by signing a three-year contract extension in June 2025, telling the club’s media channel “the length of contract means there should be no confusion this time next year”. Linfield began the new campaign with a 1-0 Conference League first qualifying round first-leg defeat to Nomme Kalju on Thursday – and would face Shelbourne in the next round if they seal progression. Healy was once again in the dugout on Saturday afternoon as Linfield were defeated 2-0 in a pre-season friendly by Robinson’s Aberdeen. Robinson started his own coaching career in Northern Ireland before going on to enjoy spells in England and Scotland – he won a League Cup with St Mirren last season, earning him a switch to Pittodrie. The speculation surrounding Healy’s future comes as no surprise to Robinson, who insists the Blues chief could thrive elsewhere. "Linfield fans won't thank me for saying this but I believe David definitely has the potential of stepping up in the managerial world," he told BBC Sport NI. "He has done brilliantly here winning every trophy going so I'm not surprised about the rumours surrounding his future." Northern Ireland international Brad Lyons, who was brought to Aberdeen by Robinson from Kilmarnock this summer, opened the scoring against a rotated Linfield, who are preparing for Thursday’s European home reverse against Kalju of Estonia. Aberdeen get their competitive campaign underway with a League Cup clash away to Brora Rangers on Tuesday evening. "It was a good pre-season friendly,” Robinson told Aberdeen’s media channel. “You’re always going to get a good test against Linfield. "It’s nice surroundings, nice stadium, and a brilliant pitch to play on. We wanted to see our fitness levels, our understanding of how we press and move the ball, so lots of good things.” On Lyons’ impact, Robinson added: "You don’t play that many times for your country or that many games in Scotland without being a good player. "He brings something to the side we didn’t have previously. He’s very competitive and has a lot more talent than people give him credit for. "He can play in numerous positions and I think Aberdeen fans will really enjoy watching him.”