Shields Targets Return for European Qualifiers
Linfield captain Chris Shields is optimistic about returning to the squad for the upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifiers after missing most of last season due to injury.
Shields suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September that required surgery, limiting him to just six appearances last campaign.
Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish in the Irish Premiership, Linfield secured European football by defeating Dungannon Swifts in the European play-off final at Windsor Park.
"I'll be back in pre-season and I'll be able to run around with the lads," Shields told BBC Radio Foyle.
"With a bit of luck, I'll be there in the European squad. Recovery has gone really well. Just on a bit of a break now, so I'll come back in to meet the physios and get back and hit the ground running.
"It doesn't suit me being a patient, so I'll be pushing to be back for Europe. It's just whether I'm actually medically cleared is the problem for my wife and for the physios."
Team Performance and Future Prospects
Under manager David Healy, Linfield won the Premiership two years ago with six games remaining but were unable to defend their title this season, finishing 17 points behind champions Larne.
However, the team did add the BetMcLean Cup to their trophy collection after defeating rivals Glentoran in the final.
"If you don't win the league or the Irish Cup, it's a disappointing campaign, but probably from a personal standpoint it was disappointing to miss the year," Shields said.
"The lads dug in, and I always say when you're not winning leagues you have to at least stay in amongst the trophies and the lads did manage to do that.
"Finishing fourth obviously is not a deal by anyone's measures, but to get over the line and win the European play-off at least gives us European football to look forward to in July, given the importance of European money in football now."
