Linfield prepare to celebrate Irish Premiership title

Jamie Mulgrew missed the win over Cliftonville through suspension

Linfield are preparing to celebrate their fifth league title in six years when they play Lisburn Distillery at New Grosvenor on Tuesday afternoon.

David Jeffrey's side lie six points ahead of second-placed Crusaders with a much superior goal difference.

Jamie Mulgrew and Stephen Douglas are available again after suspension.

"I'm not letting myself or the players think that it's all over - we're in a brilliant position but I just want to get over the line," said Jeffrey.

"To be six points ahead and with a goal difference of 24 in our favour is pretty impressive - it's going to take a pretty miraculous event to turn that round.

"The players deserve a lot of credit for how they've performed in recent matches.

"The pressure of playing for Linfield is immense, especially with this being our 125th anniversary year.

"We've had blips but every time there have been questions asked of the players, they have stood up and been counted.

"This year has been the toughest of my tenure without doubt and credit must go to Crusaders, whose form has been incredible since the turn of the year," added Jeffrey.

Meanwhile Portadown will be without suspended midfielder Tim Mouncey for their home game against Glentoran, whose manager Scott Young has signed a new one-year rolling contract.

Young has promised major changes at the Oval as he attempts to build a side capable of challenging for the league title next season.

Cliftonville have secured a Europa League place for next season but will be without suspended midfielder George McMullan for Tuesday's north Belfast derby against the Crues at Solitude.

Seaview boss Stephen Baxter will check on the fitness of midfielder Stuart Dallas, who sustained a shin injury in Saturday's win over Portadown.

Newry City's relegation should be confirmed after they face Glenavon at the Showgrounds.

Donegal Celtic, who travel to Coleraine, are six points ahead of Newry at the bottom of the table with two fixtures remaining.

Ballymena United will hope for another home success when they entertain Dungannon Swifts, with purely pride at stake.

Carling Premiership - Tuesday 26 April - 1500 BST

Cliftonville v Crusaders

Lisburn Distillery v Linfield

Portadown v Glentoran

Ballymena United v Dungannon Swifts

Coleraine v Donegal Celtic

Newry City v Glenavon