Linfield forward Joel Cooper has been named August’s Irish Premiership player of the month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association.
Cooper helped the Blues to an unbeaten start to their campaign with wins over Ballymena United, Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Loughgall.
Cooper, 28, scored four goals in the first month of the season and provided a number of assists.
“As an attacker, you always want to start the season well and score a few goals, but the important thing is that the team is winning,” said Cooper.
“You can’t create chances and score goals if the players behind you aren’t doing their job, so this award also belongs to my teammates.”
Crusaders forward Kieran Offord was runner-up with Dungannon Swifts man Kealan Dillon in third.
Glentoran forward Rachel Rogan is August’s Women’s Premiership Player of the Month.
Rogan scored the opening goal in the County Antrim Cup final win over Cliftonville as she netted four times in four matches in August.
“I had to be patient this season and wait for my chance but with Kerry Beattie getting her big move to Hearts that chance came and I have just tried to take full advantage of it,” said Rogan, who won the inaugural NIFWA monthly prize in 2019.
“I was delighted to get the call. Considering the quality in our team it could have easily gone to a few of the girls.”
Linfield’s Cora Chambers was runner-up for the August prize, with Erin McGreevy of Lisburn Rangers third.