Linfield manager David Healy has defended his decision to rest some key players in Saturday's 2-0 defeat by title-chasing Larne at Windsor Park on Saturday.
The Blues boss made seven changes from the starting team which defeated Dungannon on Tuesday and handed debuts to young players Jon Graham, Finlay Ross and Oliver Wade.
Linfield sit fourth in the table and cannot finish any higher or lower than that position while Larne are three points ahead of Glentoran at the summit as they chase a fourth Premiership crown in four seasons.
The Glens trounced Dungannon Swifts 5-0 later in the day to keep up their pursuit of the pacesetters.
"We mixed it up a little bit. There were players who haven't played enough minutes got deserved minutes today and other young boys who showed up very nicely," explained Healy after the game.
"We're in a position where we have to protect players who are on three or four yellow cards and we can't afford to have suspensions.
"Kyle McClean was carrying an injury and Matthew Fitzpatrick and Kyle Millar have probably played 90% of the games this year.
"I've been in this league for years and I've seen players rested because they are in cup finals, because they are carrying knocks, so I don't see the issue.
"I have to protect the football club, I have to protect the players, I have to give players opportunities, give younger players minutes."
Larne manager Gary Haveron was pleased with the outcome and is looking forward to facing the Glens in a key game at the Oval on Friday, a game which will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.
"We know how difficult it is to come to Windsor Park and get a result. The result was all that mattered, Delighted to get the three points and put us in the position we are in," the Larne boss told BBC Sport NI.
"It's important we go into next week with things in our own hands.
"It's going to be a huge game. We'll have to freshen up and regroup. We'll have people back, Dylan Sloan will be back and Leroy Millar will be back. It's a challenge that we look forward to and we need to be at our best.
"It's a tough place to go, they're a big physical team and you know what to expect. They're experienced too. But we've been there in the league and been there in the cup and we've shown that we can handle the pressure of playing at the Oval."
