Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne is the SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July. The Hoops schemer claims the prize for a second time in his debut League of Ireland campaign, having previously wo
Shamrock Rovers midfielder Jack Byrne is the SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.
The Hoops schemer claims the prize for a second time in his debut League of Ireland campaign, having previously won it for his March performances.
Dundalk goalkeeper Gary Rogers finished second in the voting, with Derry City’s Junior Ogede-Uzokwe third.
23-year-old Byrne shone brightest for Rovers during their Europa League campaign - scoring once and providing five assists in ties with SK Brann and Apollon Limassol.
The Dubliner was also on target in the 7-0 defeat of UCD at Tallaght Stadium.
“It’s great to win the award,” Byrne said. “I’m very proud of what we achieved last month. I’m delighted that my own performances are getting recognised but it’s really a reflection on how the team has been doing.
“I’m very grateful to win the award again but I wouldn’t be collecting it if it wasn’t for how well we did in Europe as a group.
“Playing in the Europa League was a good experience and I think we acquitted ourselves well. We were close to going through, so hopefully we can come back even stronger next year.”
Stephen Bradley’s side sit seven points behind Premier Division leaders Dundalk - with a game extra played - ahead of Friday’s trip to face Derry City at the Ryan McBridge Brandywell Stadium.
With an FAI Cup second round tie against Drogheda United also scheduled for later this month, Byrne believes Rovers should be aiming to get their hands on silverware.
“The season is still very much alive for us,” he added. “We drew Drogheda in the FAI Cup so we’re looking forward to that, and we’ve still got a chance of winning the league.
“We know we have to play Dundalk and I feel as if we’re capable of winning every game, if we play to the best of our ability. If we can do that, who knows where it will take us?”
