Michael Duffy of Derry City has been named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for February.
The 31-year-old topped the nationwide poll in a two-horse race to edge out Bohemians striker, Colm Whelan by a mere three votes. Bohs’ midfielder, Dawson Devoy took third place.
Duffy, won the monthly gong last June. Indeed, he has continued his scintillating form at the start of the new season with some excellent performances and four goals for the Candy stripes.
Duffy, netted a hat-trick against Waterford recently with one of the goals a sublime piece of individual skill and brilliance.
Derry-born Duffy, previously played with Celtic’s Development squad and had loan spells at Alloa Athletic and Dundee. Duffy was capped nine times at U21 level for Northern Ireland.
A product of the Derry City youth system; he won two FAI Cups with Derry and Dundalk as well as two League of Ireland titles with the Lilywhites.
Duffy has twice been voted the PFA Ireland ‘Player of the Year. Making him one of the most exciting and enduring football talents in the country.
“I am delighted to win this award again for myself and my team and I think it’s recognition that we must be doing something right in Derry” explained Duffy.
“It helps to keep the standards high and pushes us on to be even better as the season progresses,” added Duffy who netted 14 goals in all competitions last year.
The local lad has now surpassed 150 appearances for his home town club.
Second player of the month award for Duffy in a year
“There’s a lot of expectation here at the club and obviously we want to be successful this season but we are only five games into our league campaign and we all want to chase the silverware” added Duffy.
“We are moving up the road to Celtic Park next month to play four games there while the Brandywell has a new pitch laid and we are looking forward to it”.
“It’s the first time that Derry will have played in the GAA stadium and it’s going to be an exciting time”.
“It’s a fine stadium, it will be exciting for the fans and it will be class for us to get to play on a good grass surface as well” added Duffy.
“Hopefully it will all have a positive impact on the team.”
“It’s been great for me to come back and play in front of the Brandywell crowd again” Duffy declared.
“I had a few unbelievable years at Dundalk and I will never forget them but to get success at Derry would mean more to me”.
“I intend to continue to play for the club. To end my career at my home town club, would be ideal and it would be special for me. I have come back to my roots,” he added.
