Chris McKee was clear “I can’t answer that right now” after being asked about his future just moments on from scoring Linfield’s winning goal in their BetMcLean Cup final triumph over Glentoran – but club legend David Jeffrey insists it’s “absolutely fine” for players to move on.

McKee has reportedly agreed a summer transfer to Ballymena United, but cemented his status as a Linfield hero on Sunday by earning – and scoring – the decisive penalty which sealed cup glory against their biggest rivals at Windsor Park.

The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at the Blues and returned home permanently from Scottish giants Rangers in 2022.

Former Northern Ireland U21 international McKee has played his part in significant silverware success, winning two Premiership titles and has now added a third BetMcLean Cup crown to his collection.

placeholder image — Linfield’s Chris McKee celebrates after scoring a penalty. (Photo by INPHO/Jonathan Porter)

McKee has started in just seven league matches this term – the last of which came against Larne in mid-January – and has seemingly decided his future lies elsewhere.

A boyhood Linfield supporter, McKee admitted Sunday’s winning moment is “the stuff I've dreamed of since I was young”.

Jeffrey spent a decade at Linfield as a player before returning as manager in 1997, winning a whopping nine league titles, seven Irish Cups and six League Cup crowns amongst a host of other honours as Blues boss.

The Irish League icon is clear no player should be criticised for making calls on their future and encouraged McKee to enjoy the celebrations.

"Chris McKee stepped up, won the penalty, scored the penalty,” said Jeffrey on BBC. “We’re a bit in the dark as to where he will be...the talk is he is going elsewhere.

"But he will enjoy his night tonight and if that’s how he’s leaving Linfield, then well done to him.

"It’s no criticism of Chris or any player – if you think your future is better elsewhere, that’s absolutely fine.

"He did what he had to do today, he has played a major part, the most significant part, in Linfield winning the League Cup, so well done to him. Enjoy your night.”

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton, who was working alongside Jeffrey and Paul Leeman as a BBC pundit for Sunday’s final, also feels McKee has to embrace the current moment after playing such a key role.

"He’s still a Linfield player and he contributed today,” said Magilton. “He wins the penalty, he scores the penalty, and he will enjoy the celebrations as a Linfield player.

"We don’t know exactly where he’s going, the rumour is Ballymena, but the moment is now and you have to live in this moment. You have just won a trophy, he’s made a real impact in the game.”