Decorated Linfield star reveals the feat he is still longing to achieve

He's won everything in the domestic game, including an astonishing 11 League titles, but veteran Linfield midfielder Jamie Mulgrew still has one big craving — to feature in the group stage of a European tournament.
The midfielder, who will turn 39 in July, almost achieved his ambition three years ago when David Healy's team came within a kick of the ball from reaching the group phase of the UEFA Conference League, only to concede a goal in added time before agonisingly losing out in a penalty shoot-out to Latvian opponents RFS.

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Daily Mirror

2 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Bruno Fernandes given shock verdict despite Man Utd's worst-ever season

Bruno Fernandes was the only shining light in a dark season for Ruben Amorim's side, one which saw Manchester United finish the campaign down in 15th place Bruno Fernandes has been recognised by his fellow professionals – despite Manchester United's worst-ever Premier League campaign. United skipper Fernandes was the only shining light in a dark season for Ruben Amorim's side, one which saw them finish the campaign down in 15th place. ‌ The Red Devils lost 18 of their 38 Premier League games and failed to secure European football for only the second time in 35 years, after losing the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham. ‌ Despite such a shocking season, Fernandes has been honoured by his fellow professionals, with the 30-year-old making the six-man shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. Fernandes is up against Liverpool duo Mo Salah and Alexis MacAllister, as well as Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Cole Palmer. United skipper Fernandes scored eight goals in 36 league appearances last season and 19 in all competitions. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Manchester on August 19. The last time a United player won the accolade was Wayne Rooney in 2010, with Manchester City and England forward Phil Foden the current holder. Fernandes considered leaving United this summer, after being approached by Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal over a move that would have trebled his current £300,000-a-week salary. But after discussing the potential move with his wife, Ana Pinho, Fernandes decided to reject the lucrative proposal and commit his future to United. ‌ "The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask about the possibility of me moving there," said Fernandes. "I had to wait a while to think about the future. As I've always said, I would be willing to do it if United thought it was best to move on. I spoke with the coach, Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. " Manchester United said they didn't want to sell me. They said if I wanted to go I could, but they didn't need the money. From my side, it was a very ambitious proposal, the president was a fantastic person. I never talked about the money, it ended up coming up later, with my agent. ‌ "I had to make the decision as a family and understand what I wanted for my future. That was the question my wife asked, what my professional goals would be. At no point did she say yes or no, she always supported me and put my professional side first. "It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo. My children are used to playing with theirs. But I simply want to stay at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, because I still feel capable of that. "I want to continue to be happy and do what I love most. I'm still very passionate about this sport. It's my way of seeing football and I'm happy with my decision."

Belfast Telegraph

5 hours ago

• Belfast Telegraph

Michael Duffy's bit of magic helps Derry City end a long wait

Duffy's seventh goal of the season was worthy of winning any game as he curled an unstoppable left-footed effort past Conor Kearns and into the top corner to earn Tiernan Lynch his first win in Dublin. The goal also got Derry back on track after a difficult spell, with this their first win in five League games. The visitors could have scored twice in the opening 10 minutes with Liam Boyce at the heart of each opportunity. There seemed no danger when Duffy dispossessed Jonathan Lunney near the halfway line, but Boyce spotted Kearns well off his goal line and went for it from 40 yards, with his effort beating the Shels goalkeeper but just flying wide of the open goal. Not even 60 seconds later, Boyce beat Kearns again after being put through on goal by Gavin Whyte. The striker raced through and brilliantly dinked the ball over the goalkeeper, but while the idea was right, the finish was lacking and it bobbled across the face of goal and wide. It was a chance Boyce should have taken. Shelbourne responded to those scares by coming close themselves at the other end when Harry Wood's corner was met with a powerful header from Sean Boyd, but his effort just flew over with Brain Maher beaten. It was a fairly entertaining game between two sides desperate for the points and Shelbourne should have taken the lead in the final 10 minutes of the half, with John Martin left in disbelief that he didn't put the ball in the net. Again Wood was at the heart of the danger for the hosts with his cross finding Paddy Barrett, who guided a header at goal with Martin attempting to guide it beyond Maher from close range, but the City goalkeeper did just enough to push the ball back onto the Shels man, with it deflecting wide for a goal kick. Derry started the second half very positively and Kearns was called into action within two minutes of the restart as he dived full stretch to push away a fierce effort from distance from Whyte. A defining 60 seconds in the game soon came to pass as a near miss at one end was followed by a goal at the other. Maher got off the hook when he came out of his penalty area and lost out to Sean Boyd, with Evan Caffrey's lobbed effort headed off the line by Kevin Holt. The Candystripes swiftly went down the other end with Duffy popping up on the right before he cut inside and curled a beautiful effort beyond Kearns and into the top corner to earn the visitors a valuable victory. Shelbourne: Kearns, Ledwidge, Lunney, Barrett, McInroy (Chapman 46), Bone, Caffrey, Norris (Coote 63), Wood (O'Sullivan 77), Martin (Odubeko 46), Boyd (Kelly 63). Derry City: Maher, R Boyce, Connolly, Holt, Todd, Cann, Winchester (Hoban 89), Diallo (Benson 62), Whyte (McMullan 62), Duffy, L Boyce (Mullen 62). Match rating: 8/10

Daily Mirror

5 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Antonio Conte makes statement about Man Utd transfer he did not expect

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed he was surprised that one Manchester United transfer was completed last summer with the Italian not expecting the deal to go ahead Antonio Conte has revealed he was surprised Napoli were able to sign Scott McTominay from Manchester United last summer. The Scotland international helped inspire a Serie A title win in his first season at the club as he played a pivotal role in the success. United accepted a £25.4million bid for McTominay as they parted ways with the academy product in August 2024, much to ex-Chelsea boss Conte's delight. Then Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag blamed profit and sustainability rules for the sale of the midfielder, admitting he had mixed feelings about the deal. ‌ But while McTominay had struggled to secure a position in the Dutchman's starting XI consistently, he quickly proved his worth to Conte. The 27-year-old deliverd 12 goals and six assists in 34 appearances during his debut season in Italy, including six goals in the final seven matches as Napoli earned the title over Inter Milan on the final day of the season. ‌ And Conte was surprised to have McTominay at his disposal at all. Despite being told by club chiefs that his signature could be secured, the Italian thought Napoli's lack of European football could be problematic. But the 55-year-old knew the player was underutilised at Old Trafford. Conte was more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity. "Scott is a player whom I knew really well. He was born and raised at Manchester United," Conte told Sky Sport Italia. "I could see that he always made an impact when he played, but at the same time, I noticed he wasn't used as a key player at Manchester United. "He was hardly a starter. Honestly, we had talked about it with [Napoli director] Giovanni Manna. He told me it was a possible solution. ‌ "Sometimes, directors make up stories also to keep you calm. If you ask me: 'Have you ever thought McTominay would surely arrive?' I'd say no. "Don't forget we were heading into a season without European trophies to play for, so he had to leave Manchester United to start over with us." Conte was left with a single frustration, McTominay's signing happened too close to the end of the window. 'A bit late, but he arrived and I was very happy because Manna was good at signing him,' Conte said. 'We had discussed McTominay, but I didn't think he would really join us.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.