Dundalk midfielder Chris Shields has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for October. It's the first time that Shields has won the monthly award, which was presented to him today by Leanne Sheill from SSE Airtricity.
Five members of Stephen Kenny’s squad - Daryl Horgan, Ronan Finn, David McMillan, Robbie Benson and now Chris Shields - have won the award this season.
Shields played a big part in the middle of the pitch as Dundalk wrapped up their third league title in a row and shined in Europe. Boss Kenny was thrilled to see the hard work of one of his key players acknowledged.
“It's brilliant, I'm delighted for him,” insisted Kenny. “He has good values, he wants to train well and he's a great professional.”
Kenny believes Shields is a firm favourite around Oriel Park and hailed his attitude. “Our supporters can relate to Chris Shields, fellas who give everything of them,” he added.
“Chris would play on one leg. He just wants to play. If he's bruised or battered he just wants to play. What you see is what you get. He's a very good footballer as well.
“He has a level of passion where he'll tell you what he thinks, he'll fall out with you, but he'll give you everything.
“He was captain of this team before I arrived, and when he re-signed there wasn't wide-held acclaim. He's a big fan favourite here now.”
Shields fended off competition for the award from teammates Ronan Finn, who was second, and Andy Boyle, who came third.