The dynamic duo haven't featured for the Premier League champions this season after suffering cruciate ligament injuries earlier in the year.

However, the talented midfielders are back playing for the Swifts side and manager David Jeffrey hopes to see them back in a first team shirt by Christmas.

Their return will represent a huge festive boost to the title chasing Blues and players of such undoubted quality will help the Windsor Park men push for honours in 2008.

Downey has been sidelined for nine months after being carried off during a Setanta Cup match against Glentoran, while Kearney was stretchered off with a similar injury a few weeks later.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for both men and Bailie can't wait to see them return to the squad.

"The Swifts had around a two-week break and Conor wasn't able to maintain his progress but both men are back playing again and that's the main thing," he said.

"I feel so sorry for both players because there is nothing worse than spending time in the treatment room while the other players are winning matches.

"Both players have been very unfortunate on the injury front but hopefully they can put all the setbacks behind them.

"For us it will be like having two new players back for the second half of the season and that is fantastic because the depth of the squad is always tested when the Setanta Cup and Irish Cup kick off.

"You always want to have as strong a squad as possible and any team would want to have Conor and Oran available."

Meanwhile, tickets for the CIS Cup final against Crusaders on Saturday will be on sale in the Linfield Superstores during business hours until Friday.

On Saturday match tickets will only be available at the Windsor Park Superstore from 10am until 11.30am. From 12 noon tickets will only be available from the IFA on Windsor Avenue.

Crues fans can pick up final tickets from the club's social club each day from 11.30am up until noon on Saturday.

Crues tickets are also available from Crues Cuts Barbers on the Shore Road from 9am today to 12 noon on Saturday.

Tickets are priced £12 for adults and £6 concession.