Irish Cup Final 2022

CRUSADERS SQUAD

Jonathan Tuffey Goalkeeper

Neil Shields Goalkeeper

Billy Joe Burns Defender

Chris Hegarty Defender

Veteran keeper who joined the club in January 2021 fromGlenavon. The former Northern Ireland international was a cup winner with Glenavon in 2016. Jonny, who also manages Crusaders Strikers, made a crucial save at the end of this year’s semi-final to secure the Crues’ passage to today’s decider. Jonny has been in great form this term, managing 18 clean sheets so far in all competitions.

Back-up goalkeeper who joined the club fromSirocco Works in 2019. Neil made his third senior appearance for the Crues in last week’s league game with Larne. Neil spent the first half of this season on loan to Carrick Rangers. Unfortunately Neil will miss out on today’s match having played in Carrick’s first roundwin over Ballyclare Comrades.

Joined the club fromLinfield in 2014 and has been one of the best right backs in the Irish League for well over a decade. Billy Joe was named bothUlster Player of the Year andNIFWAPlayer of the Year during the 2015-16 season. Billy Joe was heavily involved in the winning goal in this year’s semi-final and supplied the cross for Crusaders’ first goal in the 2019 final.

Chris joined the club in 2019 fromDungannon Swifts having previously beenwith Linfield, Rangers andMillwall. The former Northern IrelandUnder-21 international enjoyed the perfect start to life at Seaview when scoring on his debut in a Europa League tie with B36 Torshavn. Unfortunately Chris’s time at Seaviewhas been hampered by injury.

Aidan Wilson Defender

Jarlath O’Rourke Defender

Josh Robinson Defender

Lewis Patterson Defender

Versatile Scottish defender who joined the club in the summer of 2020 following his release by Rangers. A former ScotlandU19 international, Aidanmade his 50th appearance for the club in the second roundwin over BallinamallardUnited. Although predominantly a central defender, Aidan has also played in both full back positions this season andwas heavily involved in the build up to Crusaders’ equaliser in this year’s semi-final.

Left backwho joined the club fromDungannon Swifts in the summer of 2019 and has made nearly 90 appearances for the club, scoring two goals. Made his debut for the club in a Europa League tie againstWolves at Molineux. Jarlath’s goals for the club have both come against Ballymena United at the Showgrounds! One came in a league victory this season with the other coming in a League Cup victory two years ago.

Experienced defender who rejoined the club in the summer and has nowmade over 200 appearances for the club across two spells. Robinson originally joined the Crues in 2012 following his release fromRangers and left Seaview in 2016 to join York City. Robinson also played for Linfield and Larne before re-signing for Crusaders in 2021. Josh scored in the quarter-final win over Dungannon and played in last year’s final for Larne.

Full backwho rejoined the club last summer after leaving Fleetwood Town. Lewis was part of the Greenisland and Crusaders academies before heading to England. Lewis hasmade six appearances in his debut season for Crusaders and impressed at right back in last month’s league game with Linfield. Lewis was also a keymember of the Crusaders U20 side which won the NIFL Development League this season.

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