Veteran Aaron Greene voted best Premier Division player for April

Shamrock Rovers attacker Aaron Greene has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for April after a goal-laden run of form with the Hoops.

Stephen Bradley's team found their groove in April and that improvement was spearheaded by 34-year-old Greene who hit five goals - including braces against Derry and Sligo Rovers - to equal his best career scoring month. He also hit the net in a 4-0 rout of Drogheda United.

Greene got the nod ahead of Galway United goalkeeper Brendan Clarke, who finished in second place, and James Akintunde of Bohemians.

The six-man shortlist also featured Shelbourne's Gavin Molloy, Will Patching of Derry City and Greene’s Hoops teammate Dylan Watts.

Greene is the first Shamrock Rovers player to win the award since Rory Gaffney in October 2022. He’s been ever present throughout their recent dominance of the division, playing his part in their run of four leagues in a row having rejoined the club from Bray Wanderers in 2018.

Speaking after receiving the honour, he said: "It was a good month, more so performance wise or our team. We'd a good month but I'd rather be top of the table than taking this award. We still have a bit of work to do."

The Hoops slipped to a 3-1 loss against Waterford at Tallaght Stadium on Monday. Dean McMenamy and Connor Parsons strikes, following a Leon Pohls own goal, did the damage but the champions are still only three points off pace-setters Shelbourne.

They host St Pat’s on Friday, hungry to get back on track as they chase what would be a remarkable fifth title on the bounce.

"Personally I don't really reflect," added Greene. "I look at the next game, and my full focus will be on Friday."

"We were just saying before I have seven (goals this season).