'He's still an eight or nine out of 10' - David Healy full of praise for Linfield legend Jamie Mulgrew who 'continues to thrive' after lifting historic Irish League title

With this season’s Premiership triumph, which came at record speed, Mulgrew has now surpassed the 10 league crowns won by icon Noel Bailie while only four active professional players – Arijan Ademi (13), Thomas Muller, James Forrest and Chris Marriott (all 12) – have tasted more league success than the Blues’ midfield maestro.

Mulgrew’s personal tally means he has won more Gibson Cup crowns than every other Irish League club in history outside of Linfield (57), Glentoran (23) and Belfast Celtic (14), who withdrew from the top-flight in 1949, while the 38-year-old has also collected seven Irish Cups and four League Cups along the way.

He continues to show his class, producing a commanding performance in Monday’s 3-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts as Linfield got their party celebrations underway in style at Stangmore Park, masterfully plotting the Blues around the pitch.

Mulgrew has played 22 times in the league so far this season compared to 33 last term and 36 in the campaign prior to that, but he’s a reliable performer for Healy and has an impact far beyond just playing responsibilities.

"I thought Jamie was terrific again (against Dungannon),” said Healy. "It probably gets to a stage every season where you're thinking 'Jamie might not be able to do as many games next year' and you think about cutting his games and minutes - I've probably done that for the last two or three years - but he continues to thrive.

"You don't want to single anybody out, but the majority of times he plays he's still an eight or nine out of 10 which is great credit to him.

"He looks after the dressing room along with the others - Kirk Millar has been here 10 years and won six league titles, Jamie has been here nearly 20 and won 11, Chris Shields is hugely experienced, Kyle McClean and many others.

"Some are winning their first league title, some are winning multiple.

"I couldn't be prouder of the players. I'm their biggest supporter, biggest backer and will take any challenge on - media, opposition team, referees, anybody outside if it means my team will be looked after...I've always done that and stand by that."