Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

Words Matt Wright

Ryan McKay Defender

Chris Shields Midfielder

Kirk Millar Midfielder

Dane McCullough Defender

Started his playing career at Portadown - he was the youngest player to ever play for the Ports’ first team - before securing a move to Premier League side Burnley where he stayed for three years. The left back joined Linfield in October 2023 as a free agent and signed a contract extension earlier this year.

Joined Linfield in January 2023 from Dundela and made his debut for the club as a second half sub in a 3-0 home win against Ballymena United. The 19-year-old signed a two year professional contract in June 2023 and has made a number of appearances this season, although he has been hampered by injuries.

Chris is one of the most decorated players on the island of Ireland, having played in the likes of the Europa League group stages with Dundalk, and he was Ulster Footballer of the Year 2020-2021. The 33-year-old Dubliner is chasing his first Irish Cup winner’s medal. Chris agreed a new two-year contract at Linfield in March.

A versatile winger who started his career with the Linfield Academy before securing a move to Oldham Athletic in his teens. He would return to Linfield in August 2014 and has gone on to make over 400 senior appearances for the club. Kirk (31) recently signed a new contract with the Blues and will be hoping to add a third Irish Cup winner’s medal to his collection.

Jordan Stewart Midfielder

Darragh McBrien Midfielder

Jamie Mulgrew Midfielder

Kyle McClean Midfielder

Linfield's in-form midfielder joined the club in January 2019 after spells at Nottingham Forest and St Johnstone. Kyle has had a fantastic season, recently picking up the NIFWA Player of the Season award for his stand-out performances. The 25-year-old has made over 150 appearances for the Blues since his return to Northern Ireland and has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

Jordan plays as an attacking midfielder or winger and is the grandson of legendary Linfield forward Phil Scott. Since his return from Swindon Town in 2017, Jordan (29) has gone on to make over 190 appearances and score 45 goals for Linfield, two of which won Linfield goal of the season awards. He has struggled with injury problems for some time but will be hoping to kick on following his return to the side.

Joined Linfield last summer from Dungannon Swifts. The 22-year-old made his debut against his former club in August 2023, and scored his first goal for the Blues in a league match against Newry in September. The powerful and pacey Fermanagh man won his first silverware with Linfield when they won the Bet McLean League Cup earlier this year.

Considered a legend of the Irish League having made over 750 appearances for Linfield since his switch from Glentoran in June 2005. An Under-21 and senior Northern Ireland international, Jamie has won everything there is to win in the local game multiple times over, including lifting the Irish Cup seven times. At 37 the captain still features regularly for David Healy's side and has signed a one year contract extension with the club.

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