The 34-year-old, flanked by daughters Caitlan and Jadine, was given a wonderful ovation has he walked out at the international venue for the final time this term.

With Linfield's three trophies on display – Irish Premier League, Irish Cup and CIS Insurance League Cup – the carnival atmosphere –and the virtuoso appearance of Linfield kit man Gary Eccles – made it a day to remember.

Murphy's immediate concern now focuses on a new contract. But after the season he and his club have enjoyed, a deal is imminent.

"It's been a great year for the team," said Winkie. "Hopefully, I have done enough over the season to persuade the boss to offer me new terms.

"Davy always states if you stay in the team and win games, that earns you points – and points win you trophies.

"We had three major trophies on show today, which helped us create a little piece of history. Basically, I want to stay at the club to the day I finish playing.

"I'm 34 and feeling good. I look at Noel (Bailie) and Glenn (Ferguson) as my inspirational figures at 37 and 38 respectively.

"Glenn is playing through the middle at centre-forward, one of the most difficult positions, it requires a lot of running off the ball and hard graft.

"Noel is captain fantastic. He's been there and has got the t-shirt. I would say that he is the best player I've ever played with.

"He is so inspirational. He has a great hunger and desire. Just look what he has achieved in the game.

"Hopefully, I have a few years yet."

Even though he has been a first team regular since moving from Ards, Murphy insists, he takes nothing for granted.

"I'm here 11 years and I've never been assured of my place week in, week out," he added.

"You've got to keep working hard and make sure you perform on the pitch to make it difficult for the manager to leave out.

"It's happened to me a few times over the years. My performances maybe were not up to scratch and he didn't hesitate to leave me out to bring someone fresh in."

Murphy managed to get on the score sheet on his big day. He was joined by Glenn Ferguson, Oran Kearney, Thomas Stewart and Peter Thompson, while Paul McKnight, Scott Nisbitt and Mark Walters replied for Rangers.

But the performance of kit man Eccles will live long in the memory of the 3,000 fans. He replaced Kris McKendry late in the game and his agility and lightning reflexes will send shivers down the spine of Blues No 1 Alan Mannus.

"I'd give Gary (Eccles) the player of the game award. He was fabulous," added Murphy. "I gave him a back pass on one occasion and I don't think he knew whether to kick it, head it, catch it, or maybe eat it!

"I would say the boss will not hang about in offering him a full-time contract. I actually heard them negotiating after the game – they were haggling over a couple of hamburgers a week."

"Overall, I was thrilled with the game. It was an honour to be on the same pitch with some of those players.