Linfield manager David Healy has praised the contribution made to his team by forward Matthew Fitzpatrick.

The former Glenavon player scored twice in his side’s 3-0 win over Coleraine at Windsor Park on Saturday as the Blues moved eight points clear at the top of the table.

“First and foremost his work ethic, his hunger to keep going and playing,” said Healy of Fitzpatrick’s qualities.

“His performance merited his goals today. There have been plenty of performances he’s given us this season where he hasn’t been on the scoresheet.

“There have been times this season when he has basically been the only fit centre forward that we have. He very rarely misses too many games which is an absolute credit to him.”

Fitzpatrick has on occasions attracted criticism for his goal tally but Healy believes the player brings much to the team.

“I’ve no doubt he knows the challenges here and people tally up the games that he’s played and the goals but he knows what I think of him.

“If he continues doing the job that he’s done for a long time now and he can add one or two goals like he did today then we’ll settle for that.”