David Healy believes experienced midfielders Jamie Mulgrew and Chris Shields answered the doubters with their performances in Sunday's BetMcLean Cup final.
Shields (32) scored Linfield's second goal from the penalty spot, and alongside 37-year-old Mulgrew they dominated the midfield battle as the Blues ran out 2-0 winners at Windsor Park.
Healy joked he often receives 'letters and emails' from disgruntled fans questioning the club's ageing midfield.
Read more: Shields says Linfield deserve to enjoy cup success after 'tough season'
But he believes Sunday's cup win was further evidence that the Blues have two of the best operators in Irish League football.
"Jamie Mulgrew and Chris Shields were superb," Healy told Sky Sports.
"I get a lot of letters and emails sent to the football club from people asking me about the legs in the middle of the pitch and everything else, but I thought those two lads controlled the game. They were outstanding.
"And they fully deserve this. They are serial winners.
"Shieldsy hasn't been here that long, but when he was at Dundalk he was a serial winner and he is hungry for more. He never misses a training session and he always wants to play and improve, despite the standards he has already set.
"And Jamie is a huge inspiration for everyone. For him and his performance today, I thought he was exceptional."
At one stage during Healy's post-match interview a Linfield fan tried to gatecrash the TV coverage to celebrate with the Blues boss.
And he hopes there will be more celebrations as the season unfolds.
Healy joked: "Normally they are chasing me! Maybe he is coming up and wants a picture."
He added: "Linfield have a huge tradition of being successful, and I am so pleased to win a trophy today. It has been a tough year, a tough year.
"We are not quite at the levels where we hoped, and we are chasing Larne. And sometimes you have to give credit to Tiernan (Lynch) and his boys.
"There are still seven games remaining so it is important we improve going forward and try and use this today as a shot in the arm."
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