Ferguson to field ‘strongest squad’ for cup clash

The Sky Blues welcome their Championship One neighbours to the Showgrounds (7.45pm) after Comrades dumped Linfield out of the competition in the previous round and Ferguson is anxious to avoid a similar upset.

“There won’t be too much tinkering with the squad - it will be the strongest one we have available,” said Ferguson.

I went and watched them myself against Cliftonville in the County Antrim Shield and on that occasion, Cliftonville killed that game by scoring two goals in the first four minutes.

“But to Ballyclare’s credit, they scored twice and one goal was enough for them against Linfield so they are capable of scoring against senior teams.

“The pressure is on us - they have nothing to lose.

“We need to perform to a high level to get a result - irrespective of what the scoreline is, we just want to be in the next round.”

Ferguson also hopes that ever-present goalkeeper Dwayne Nelson will be fit after finishing Saturday’s defeat at Linfield with his ankle heavily strapped.

“It was when Dwayne made a save, Ross Clarke followed through and caught him on the ankle - hopefully it’s an impact injury more so than a twist or a turn,” added Ferguson.

Despite many of the other Danske Bank Premiership fixtures switching to Friday night, due to the Northern Ireland European Championship qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Saturday night, United’s home match against Dungannon Swifts goes ahead as scheduled on Saturday at 3pm.