Irish League Football

Image source, Inpho

Linfield striker Kieran Offord will miss the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

The 21-year-old returned from a four-month spell on the sidelines as a substitute in the Blues' 3-1 win over Portadown earlier this month.

However, the Scot's night was cut short after just 13 minutes on the pitch when he was forced off following a tackle from Lewis MacKinnon.

Having missed Linfield's BetMcLean Cup final win over Glentoran, the club have confirmed his ankle surgery was successful.

"This is a hugely disappointing setback for him after the tremendous effort he put into recovering from his previous injury," read Linfield's statement.

"Everyone at the club is fully behind Kieran, and we have no doubt that with his determination and professionalism, he will return stronger and back to his very best.

"We wish him every success in his recovery and rehabilitation."

Offord joined Linfield from St Mirren in January 2025 after impressing on loan for Crusaders.

David Healy's side are currently eight points off leaders Larne in the Irish Premiership and

Image source, Inpho

Glentoran boss Declan Devine was left to rue missed chances after a 1-0 defeat by Linfield in the BetMcLean Cup final.

The Glens wasted a host of opportunities before the Blues won it with a penalty deep in extra-time.

KJ Kamson-Kamara brought down Chris McKee, who dusted himself down before slotting home the spot-kick.

"I think we created really good chances and opportunities and with the fine details in games like this you have to take those opportunities," he said.

"Cup finals are about getting that important goal. We've got severely punished for not taking one of those chances because it's the first mistake in the game we've made.

"After working so hard for so long and putting our bodies on the line it's soul destroying.

"It's very raw at the minute, but obviously it's very disappointing to lose and I ca't fault the players because they were outstanding in the game.

"We've a lot of things still to play for but that was a painful way to lose a football game."

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Larne manager Gary Haveron praised Andy Ryan's "quality" goals during their 2-1 win over Dungannon Swifts at Inver Park.

Ryan broke the deadlock with a superb free-kick and netted his and Larne's second just before the half-time whistle from the penalty spot.

Andrew Mitchell did net a late goal for the Swifts, but the Inver Reds were able to hold on and secure the three points to extend their lead at the top of the Irish Premiership to five points.

"We raced into a 2-0 lead and I thought we deserved it, but we were probably wasteful," Haveron told BBC Sport NI.

"They are good strikes from Andy Ryan. Obviously, the penalty and the free-kick is absolute quality and it shows the class that he has.

"I thought we defended really well, our shape was really good and we limited them to nothing. Ro [Rohan Ferguson] had nothing to do until Mitch [Andrew Mitchell] scored a wonder goal and it was a nervy last five minutes."

Rodney McAree also praised Mitchell's late goal and the effort that his side displayed against the league leaders.

"His [Mitchell's] finish was exceptional," McAree told BBC Sport NI.

"After we score, we have a real go. We have two really good opportunities. McGinty has a header and I think it is him again who pokes it into Rohan's hands.

"We had two big opportunities to go get a point, but you can accept getting beaten when you get a whole-hearted performance like we did."