Linfield 'upped the gears' to beat Carrick - Healy

Linfield boss David Healy said that his side "upped the gears" to secure a late 3-1 win over Carrick Rangers at Windsor Park.

After Aidan Steele had cancelled out Chris McKee's opener, two goals from substitute Matthew Yates sealed victory for Linfield.

While Healy said he was "slightly disappointed" with his side's performance, he was glad they eventually found a way to win.

"They came and made it difficult, we knew they would and for large periods they frustrated us," Healy told BBC Sport NI.

"It was no surprise when they equalised, you could sense it was coming, but we made the changes and, in the end, we just about deserved to win the game. We made it difficult, but we upped the gears when it went 1-1 and got two crucial goals.

"November, December and January are key months with lots of big games against your so-called big rivals so it's important you win the other games."

Healy also praised the impact of Yates off the bench as the 23-year-old continues to adapt to life in the Irish Premiership after signing from Scotland in the summer.

"I was pleased for Yatsey, it's important you have attacking options and he's played in a few cup games and come off the bench," Healy added.

"His first goal was a big goal, it give us the platform to win the game. He showed the clinical edge with the second one."