Shamrock Rovers midfielder Brandon Miele has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for September.
It is the first time Miele has won the monthly award which was presented to him today by Anne McAreavey from SSE Airtricity.
The winger was in fine goal-scoring form during the month as he netted a stunning strike against Cork City, followed by another against Finn Harps as well as a hat-trick in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final against non-league Bluebell United.
The Hoops host Sligo Rovers in the third last game of the season in Tallaght on Friday.
Miele was delighted to see his efforts appreciated by scooping the award.
He said: “That’s my first one so I’m delighted to get it. It’s nice to be recognised and I was up against some top players so I’m really happy to win it. It was a good month.”
But after Tuesday night’s FAI Cup semi-final replay defeat to Dundalk, Miele insists he was left gutted.
Miele admits a slow start killed any chance the Hoops had of challenging for the title this season but he reckons Rovers have gelled since and are aiming high next year.
The Dubliner explained: “It was horrible for us on Tuesday. It was a tight, good game but it was a bad way for us to go out of the Cup.
“For us now it’s just about finishing strong and seeing where that takes us. We want to see how many points we can get and finish on a high.
“We started the season slow. Who knows what could have happened if we had got off to a better start.
“Obviously the manager brought in a lot of new players and it did take us time to gel. But we’ve gotten to know each other and we’ve kicked on. Next year we’ll be definitely looking to challenge.”
In winning the award, Miele beat off competition from David McMillan of Dundalk, who finished second in the voting. Limerick’s Chiedozie Ogbene was third.
