UCD striker Ryan Swan has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.
It is the first time that Swan has won the monthly award .
The 19-year-old had a month to remember in July as he scored three goals in four games in the Students' Europa League adventure.
“I’m delighted to get the award. It’s not very often that a First Division player gets it so I’m thrilled,” said Swan.
“When I joined UCD I didn’t think I would be playing European football but it turned out we got it and it was an unbelievable experience.”
Swan admits UCD’s European run has made him hungry for more top level football.
“Getting to play against those good European sides, it would make you want to have that experience every year,” he explained.
“The trips brought the team together and it was great. It wasn’t like a normal league game. Having the build up to the European games and how we worked on it was good to see and good to experience.”
The striker is confident the Students can push on and win promotion. UCD currently sit third in the First Division, just four off leaders Wexford Youths with a game in hand.
“The European run has brought us even more together and it has definitely helped us even since we have gone back to the league. We have won all our games since we went out of Europe.
“It’s good to see players all over the pitch scoring and everyone chipping in. The team are playing well and getting points.
“The European run has given us momentum and we’re really looking forward to every game and trying to get those points to win the league.
“I just want to keep scoring, working hard and keep playing well for the team and hopefully we can get the goal of promotion.”
Swan fended off competition from Shamrock Rovers’ Brandon Miele who was second. Cork City’s Mark O’Sullivan was third.
