GLENTORAN forward Jay Donnelly is the Danske Bank Northern Ireland Player of the Month for October.
The Glens number nine scored in every game during the month, impressing NIFWA’s panel with six goals in five games. A feat that makes him well worthy of the number synonymous with greats like Blackledge, Macartney, Thompson, Roberts and Hughes.
Jay said: "I am delighted to have won the award. It certainly wasn't something I was expecting
"It was a very good month for me personally because I managed to score in every game, I played in. Any striker will be happy with that, but the most important thing is how the team are doing.
"We didn't pick up as many points as we would have liked but it is such a competitive league this season.”
Jay receives his award from Ruth Gorman, Chair of Northern Ireland Football Writers Association
The 26-year-old was keen to thank the Glens’ fanbase for the support they’ve shown him since he joined the east Belfast club, last year.
He said: "I'm really enjoying my time at Glentoran. I'm so grateful to Mick McDermott and Paul Millar, who took a chance on me. It really doesn't feel like I've been at the club for more than a year.
"I feel like I've found a football home and scoring goals in front of our fans this season has been brilliant, I can't thank them enough for the support they've given me.
"Hopefully, I can keep scoring goals to help the club be successful. We believe we have a squad good enough, but we know we have to keep working hard and with the quality in the squad, I'm sure we can be successful."
Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin was runner-up, with Linfield’s Jimmy Callacher third.
Jay also won the Glentoran Supporters Player of the Month for the second consecutive month, with an overwhelming 69% of the vote.
Mick McDermott said of Jay: “These are fully deserved awards for Jay, based on his current run of form. He has worked extremely hard within our team since his arrival and has earned the respect of his teammates, and our fans.
We have a close-knit and hard-working group of men in our team and Jay is an integral part of that. His hunger to compete and score goals is exceptional.
As our Premier league has improved, I am sure that the selection committees of the Northern Ireland National team setup are paying attention and considering players for senior call-ups.
That is a credit to all clubs and players in our League.
This is Jay’s month…. congratulations!!”
