Bohemians striker Jonathan Afolabi has been voted the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for July after a stellar month in which he hit five goals to keep the club in league and cup contention.
The 23-year-old is enjoying a career best season in front of goal, rapidly rising up the scoring charts as he spearheads the attack for Declan Devine's in-form team.
The Gypsies went unbeaten in July and Afolabi scored in all four of his appearances - including hitting the late winner against Dundalk at the start of the month and the goal that knocked Dublin rivals Shelbourne out of the FAI Cup.
The in-form centre forward also netted against Shels in their league meeting and notched a brace to beat bottom side UCD.
He has 11 goals in all competitions and now has his sights set on the league's golden boot as Bohs look to maintain their push on the domestic front.
In a vote of SWI members, Afolabi emerged as a very popular choice amongst the six candidates. Emmanuel Adegboyega, who left Drogheda United for Norwich City last week, finished second. Bohemians' teenage sensation James McManus was third.
Afolabi's win marks the first time he has claimed the award, on his first nomination. He joined Bohemians a year ago after leaving Glasgow Celtic.
Before returning to Ireland, the ex-Ireland Under 21 star had various loan spells in Scotland with Dundee, Dunfermline, Ayr United and Airdrieonians.
He is the second Bohemians player to win the award this season, following on from Ali Coote's win in March.
Speaking after receiving his award, Afolabi said: "I'm buzzing. It feels like more of a team achievement than my own. Everyone had a hand in it - the staff, the players, putting in a load of work to make sure the players and the team becomes better."
"The quality has been really good going forward, the players are starting to click. It's good to get on the end of those chances and it was good to stick a good few away."
He added: "The Rovers game, 2-2, is what started it. It was a shot from out of the box, from instinct. That's what got it rolling so that's probably my best moment for me."
The six-man shortlist for July's Player of the Month award also featured Derry City's Will Patching, Adam Foley of Drogheda United and Shels' Gavin Molloy.
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