Jordan Owens and Craig McClean miss cup clash with Linfield

Crusaders will take on holders Linfield in the Irish Cup fifth round on Saturday without striker Jordan Owens and defender Craig McClean.

Owens has been handed a two-match suspension following his straight red card in the 22 December Premiership match against the Blues.

Former Dungannon full-back McClean has been given a one-match ban for picking up five yellows cards this season.

Owens got the goal when Crusaders beat Linfield in the League Cup semi-finals.

Earlier in the season, Linfield got the better of the Crues 1-0 in the County Antrim Shield semi-final.

Crusaders were beaten by Linfield in the last two Irish Cup finals but last season Stephen Baxter's men won the League Cup and the All-Ireland Setanta Cup.

They are in the League Cup decider again this season, playing Premiership leaders Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Saturday, 26 January.

"We are meeting Linfield a bit earlier in the Irish Cup this season. They are flying at the moment but we are not doing badly ourselves," said Baxter.

"We have been in a number of finals in recent seasons and that is a sign of a successful team.

"We have a few suspensions but will just have to get on with it."