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Linfield goalkeeper Gareth Deane has praised manager David Healy for helping him fill Roy Carroll's sizeable gloves at Windsor Park.

Deane, who joined Linfield from Queens Park Rangers in 2012, was thrust into the middle of the Blues' charge towards the Gibson Cup last season following a season-ending injury to Carroll, who subsequently left the club.

However, while some fans called for Healy to recruit an experienced replacement for the former Manchester United man, the 25-year-old stepped up to the plate impressively, producing a string of assured displays to help maintain the Blues' record as the tightest defence in the league.

New loan signing Rohan Ferguson has deputised well for the injured Deane during Linfield's European games this summer.

However, having established himself during the title run-in last term, Deane has every reason to expect to continue between the sticks once he returns to fitness.

“The manager has been so positive for me," he said.

"Last season when Roy got the season-ending injury, he pulled me aside and said there’s no pressure on me and told me to do the usual.

"There was no pressure coming from him and the more experienced players looked after me really well.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Roy, training with him was phenomenal and obviously he’s stepped away but I can only take the positives, especially the confidence I got from last season and hopefully I can bring it into the new one."

(Image: Inpho)

Linfield begin their Irish Premiership title defence at home to Institute on Saturday and, while the north-west club's preparations for the new season have been overshadowed by the departure of manager John Quigg, Deane said they can make life difficult for the South Belfast side.

"They definitely shouldn't be underestimated," he added.

"Teams come to Windsor Park and play with no fear, they want to get off to the best possible start and get three points.

"We know what to be expect - we played them a couple of times last season and it's always a physical game but hopefully we can take the confidence gained from the European games into Saturday."

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