Ballymena United v Crusaders

CRUSADERS SQUAD

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Jonathan Tuffey Goalkeeper

Tom Murphy Goalkeeper

Billy Joe Burns Defender

Chris Hegarty Defender

Veteran goalkeeper who joined the club from Glenavon having previously played in the Irish League for Linfield. The former Northern Ireland international was also a cup winner with Glenavon in 2016. Jonny, who also manages Crusaders Strikers, has kept three clean sheets in the run to this year’s final.

Back-up keeper who joined the club back in August having been at a number of League of Ireland clubs after leaving Everton as a youngster. Tom also represented the Republic of Ireland at U17 level. The Wicklow-born stopper has made four appearances for the club this season.

Undoubtedly one of the finest defenders to grace the Irish League over the past two decades, club captain Burns is now closing in on 400 appearances since joining in 2014. Unfortunately he misses today’s match through suspension.

Centre back who joined the club in 2019 from Dungannon Swifts having previously been with Linfield, Rangers and Millwall. The former Northern Ireland U21 international enjoyed the perfect start to life at Seaview when scoring on his debut in a Europa League tie with B36 Torshavn. He is closing in on 100 appearances for the club.

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Josh Robinson Defender

Jarlath O’Rourke Defender

Daniel Larmour Defender

Cameron Stewart Defender

Experienced defender who rejoined the club in the summer of 2021 and has now made over 200 appearances for the Crues across two spells. Robinson originally joined the Crues in 2012 following his release from Rangers. Has recovered from a serious facial injury to take his place in the heart of the Crues defence.

Left back who joined the club from Dungannon Swifts in the summer of 2019 and made his 100th appearance for the club earlier this season having made his debut in a Europa League tie against Wolves at Molineux. He is another player whose season has been disrupted by injury.

Centre back who signed for the club from Glenavon in January 2021 having started his Irish League career at Carrick Rangers. Daniel’s impressive displays at the heart of the Crues defence endeared him to Crusaders supporters. Daniel is closing in on 75 appearances for the club. and knack of scoring important goals have

The Ballymena-born Northern Ireland U21

defender joined the club on loan from Ipswich Town back in January and made his debut in a league win over Newry City. Cameron has found game time limited at Seaview, making just five appearances, but started last week’s game with Glentoran.

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