Freddie Draper scoops the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for May

Freddie Draper, Drogheda United's centre forward, has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for May, following his performances for the team.

The 18-year-old, on loan from Lincoln City, played a pivotal role in Drogheda's campaign, scoring four Premier Division goals for Kevin Doherty's team last month.

This season, Draper has tallied eight goals, with half of them delivered in May. His remarkable performances contributed to Drogheda's two victories and a draw.

The month saw Draper score in a home draw against Shelbourne and a superb goal in Drogheda's 2-1 win over reigning champions Tallaght Stadium.

He continued his excellent form, scoring a brace in a 3-1 home win over UCD and assisting Dylan Grimes' goal in the same match.

Draper's four-goal haul in May ensured he scored more goals in the month than any other player in the division.

As a testament to his contribution, Draper is one of only two Drogheda players to have started all 20 of their league games this season.

Draper's achievement marks the first time in over nine years that a Drogheda United player has won the award, following Gary O'Neill's win in March 2014.

He is also the youngest player this century to receive the Player of the Month award. The last teenager to do so was Shamrock Rovers' Shane Robinson in August 1999.

In the voting process involving SWI members, Draper emerged first, edging out St Patrick's Athletic's teenager Sam Curtis, who finished second, and the Premier Division's top scorer, Chris Forrester, who took third place.

A visibly pleased Draper expressed his delight at winning the award, "I'm thrilled. I thought I could have a bit of a chance. I was in a bit of form going into the month, I scored a couple of goals." He added, "I was happy to see my name and when I found out (he won the award) I was over the moon."

After a week-long vacation in Malta, Draper is back in Drogheda to gear up for Friday night's Louth derby.

The other nominees for May's Player of the Month award included Derry City's goalkeeper Brian Maher, Richie Towell of Shamrock Rovers, and Shelbourne's Shane Griffin.