IRISH LEAGUE: Testimonial star Jamie Mulgrew confident of more glory with Linfield

The Blues have gone four years without a league title, while their last trophy success was the County Antrim Shield back in 2014.

Mulgrew will celebrate his testimonial dinner on Saturday night in Belfast, 11 years after making his debut for the Windsor Park giants.

The gala occasion will honour the 29-year-old midfielder, who has won five league and cup doubles with Linfield, a League Cup and County Antrim Shield.

“I have some great memories with Linfield, and I am confident there will be more to come,” Mulgrew said.

“It has obviously been tough not winning trophies in recent times, but that only makes you hungrier to bring silverware back to the club.

“David is the man for the job and I’m confident we’re going in the right direction. Our form is good and we have momentum. I feel we’ve turned a corner, but I was always confident we’d start getting results under the new manager.

“He has instilled a ruthlessness in the team and you need that if you are to have any aspirations of winning the league. At the end of the day, we’re Linfield and we’re expected to win games. Nothing less is accepted.

“I’ve no problem with that. That’s the nature of the club and it’s what we as players have to accept, so it’s important we end the season on a high.”

Reflecting on his 11 years at Windsor, Mulgrew – who signed a new two-year deal with Linfield last month – added: “My first double in 2007 stands out.

“Being awarded man of the match after coming on as a substitute in the 2011 Irish Cup final was also special. I’ve enjoyed some highs with the club and hopefully there are more to come.”

Linfield – who sit second in the Danske Bank Premiership – entertain Glenavon on Saturday afternoon.

They remain seven points behind champions Crusaders with just 10 games remaining this season.

“Crusaders are a good side and also have the experience of winning the title last season,” Mulgrew said.

“All we can do is look after ourselves, continue winning games and see where it takes us.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, Crusaders travel to Warrenpoint Town while Cliftonville face Coleraine at Solitude.

Ballinamallard host Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts travel to Ballymena United. Portadown meet Carrick at Shamrock Park.