Can Sky Blues take next step in the Shield?

The Sky Blues will be looking to seek revenge for the smash and grab job carried out by Crusaders last week at Seaview, when two late goals cost United three points.

Manager Roy Walker told the Times that this quarter final is a great opportunity for the club in its quest for silverware.

He said: "Obviously being in a Quarter final of any competition is a huge incentive, and it gives us a different challenge.

"Last weekend's game was competitive as you would expect, but unfortunately the goalkeeper slipped and they score, if he doesn't we win.

"Crusaders obviously come into the game as favourites but every competition is important to us and this gives us the opportunity to get into the semi final."

Aside from the home match against Donegal Celtic, Walker said that the early season performances have been encouraging.

He said: "It has been encouraging so far, you have to put things into context, we have a number of players in the squad who are experiencing their first full season in the top division."

The injury situation hasn't been helped by a tough game against Cliftonville at the weekend, a performance Walker hopes the team will build on tonight against Crusaders.

He added: "Quite a lot of good came out of the game, we were up against a genuine title contender but no team has the divine right to win.

"You have to build upon these performances and hopefully we can do that tonight in the Shield."