Fermanagh man, and Linfield goalkeeper, Roy Carroll has the full backing of his manager, David Healy after Carroll refused to shake hands with the Cliftonville team prior to the two teams clash in the Danske Bank Premiership at the weekend.

The actions of the big Tamlagh man created something of a media storm but Healy said that he would be “advising Roy to keep his head down” in relation to the incident.

So far Carroll has remained tight lipped about the reason behind his refusal to shake hands. When contacted by the Impartial Reporter on Tuesday the former Manchester United goalkeeper declined to comment.

There has been speculation that Carroll’s actions were as a result of Cliftonville players bowing their heads during the playing of God Save the Queen at Windsor Park prior to the Irish Cup final last season.

Speaking after the game at the weekend Cliftonville boss, Barry Gray, stated: "If he was in my team, I would have a massive issue with it,” he said before adding:

"What everyone needs to do is to ask Roy for his explanation. Only he can tell why he decided to do that.”

On Tuesday night following Linfield’s easy win in the League Cup

"I've known Roy a long time in football. I'm not going to speak about the decision Roy made because Roy is his own person. I wasn't aware that it was going to happen.” Healy said before adding:

“Why would Roy need to come out and talk about it? I'll be advising Roy to keep his head down and do what he has been doing over the past four or five weeks because he has been a big player for us and a terrific influence. Roy Carroll is Linfield's number one goalkeeper and will remain Linfield's number one goalkeeper."

Healy concluded by saying the keeper had his "million percent" backing: "One thing I never do is comment on any other football club, comment on any other player's behaviour or comment on any other manager's behaviour, so for other people outside who maybe want to have a little dig at Roy, I will back Roy one million percent for the rest of the season."