FOOTBALL: David Healy & Ross Gaynor make it a Linfield double

Stephen Looney presents the Northern Ireland Football Writers Association Player of the Month award to Linfield's Ross Gaynor

The Linfield midfielder scored 5 goals in as many games for his club last month.

He bagged braces against both Cliftonville and Glentoran, in the Irish Cup and in the league respectively, as well as a fine strike in a comprehensive victory over Warrenpoint at Milltown.

On receiving his award, Gaynor paid compliment to the league and his teammates saying “Its physical and fast here, which I really like.

“I have been playing higher up the pitch which suits me and playing with great strikers has allowed me to get among the goals.”

Gaynor’s boss David Healy rightfully picked up the Manager of the Month accolade.

The Blues enjoyed an unbeaten month with two victories over Belfast rivals Cliftonville, including an Irish Cup Quarter-Final, adding to a string of fine results with wins also coming over Glentoran, Ballinamallard and Warrenpoint.

The award is Healy’s second since joining Linfield but he was quick to put the focus onto his players’ fine form.

“The team are on a high at the moment, we have a cup final to look forward to and sets us up for a great finish to the season.”