Blues ready to 'turn the tables' in latest Big Two derby

Irish Cup sixth round: Glentoran v Linfield

Venue: The Oval Date: Friday, 31 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app; text commentary and highlights on BBC Sport website and app

Linfield midfielder Cammy Ballantyne says that his side want to "turn the tables" and claim a first win of the season over rivals Glentoran in Friday's Irish Cup sixth round tie.

Glentoran have won three of the four meetings between the two sides in all competitions this season, with the other game ending in a draw.

But Ballantyne believes the Blues can claim a much needed Big Two win as last year's beaten finalists look to book their place in the Irish Cup quarter-finals.

"I think we are disappointed we haven't given a good account of ourselves, and we haven't got good results against them," he told BBC Sport NI.

"We'll have a game plan and we'll be ready to go Friday night, hopefully we can turn the tables."

The 24-year-old has had to bide his time to force his way into Linfield's starting side after joining from St Johnstone in the summer.

He has started the last four league games for the Blues and impressed as they won all four to move 19 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership table.

"I'm really enjoying it, I had to be patient, the manager and the staff have been patient with me too," Ballantyne added.

"It took a bit of time for me to adapt but I think you can see I'm adapting well and hopefully the supporters and my teammates can see that too."

Offord in line for Blues debut

Linfield boss David Healy confirmed that new signing Kieran Offord will be in contention for Friday night's game at the Oval.

Offord arrives at the Blues from St Mirren after spending the first half of the season on loan at Crusaders, where he scored 14 goals in the league and cup competitions.

He missed Tuesday's 2-1 win against his former side as his international clearance did not come through in time.

"He'll be fit and available for selection on Friday night," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"He's a player that we think highly of in terms of not only what he can do in the here and now but also going forward for this football club."

Healy downplayed the fact that Linfield will be up against their rivals for a fifth time this season, instead focusing on the need to reach the quarter-finals of a competition they last won in 2021.

"I think it means more to progress. It doesn't matter if it was Glentoran or Wellington Rec who we played in the last round. It's important to be in the next round."