Dundalk winger Bradley lands monthly honour

Dundalk winger Steven Bradley has been named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for February.

The 19-year-old has been in sensational goalscoring form since arriving at Oriel Park on a season-long loan from Hibernian last month.

Glaswegian Bradley bagged four goals in his first three Premier Division games as the Lilywhites drew with Derry City and Bohemians before claiming victory over Finn Harps.

He receives the first monthly award of 2022 ahead of Derry City's Jamie McGonigle, who finished second in the voting, and Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Ed McGinty in third.

"To win Player of the Month is a massive achievement," Bradley said.

"It’s been a great start for me personally, but the team has gelled really well in the first few games considering half of us hadn’t played together before a month ago.

"I’m delighted with how everything is going at the moment. I wanted to come over here to express myself and show people what I can do.

"I’ve not really had the chance to play a lot of first-team football, so I just wanted to come here and show my ability."

The teenager, who will celebrate his 20th birthday on St Patrick’s Day, is thankful to Dundalk manager Stephen O’Donnell, his new team-mates and the fans for welcoming him with open arms.

"All the boys have been great with me ever since the first day I came in," he added.

"It’s my first time moving away from home and they’ve made me feel really settled. The gaffer has been brilliant as well."