David Jeffrey hails "phenomenal servant" Jamie Mulgrew after reaching milestone

David Jeffrey has hailed Jamie Mulgrew as an "absolutely phenomenal servant to Linfield" after the midfielder made his 660th appearance for the Blues on Friday night.

Mulgrew equalled the legendary Tommy 'The Duke of Windsor' Dickson's tally in the Big Two derby at the Oval.

The 35-year-old now lies behind iconic former defender Noel Bailie who played an astonishing 1013 games for the club.

Jeffrey signed Mulgrew from Glentoran back in 2005, with the midfielder going on to win countless trophies including nine league titles and seven Irish Cups.

"Jamie has been an absolutely phenomenal servant for Linfield," Jeffrey told the BBC.

"It was during the time of Bryan McLaughlin and myself that Jamie came to Linfield, ironically from Glentoran.

"Willie McKeown did a fabulous job in picking up Jamie, and he has gone from strength to strength.

"Jamie epitomises everything that there is about Linfield. He is absolutely dedicated, thoroughly professional and really skilled and never knows when he is beaten.

"He leads from the front, speaks from the heart - I could go on all day about him.

"He just epitomises everything about Linfield Football Club.

"And to reach that number of appearances and equal the Duke's unbelievable contribution to Linfield in terms of appearances is quite phenomenal."