Shamrock Rovers striker Aaron Greene heaped praise on the "incredible" Alan Mannus after the Hoops definitive 3-0 win over Dundalk in Sunday's top of the table clash in Tallaght.
Recovering from their mid-week European disappointment in Hungary, Stephen Bradley's side went a long way to securing a third successive Premier Division title, dispatching their closest chasers Dundalk in a clinical display, Greene, Richie Towell and Rory Gaffney notching the goals.
The champions now sit seven points clear at the top with a game in hand as the 2022 campaign enters its closing stretch.
Man of the Match Greene insisted afterwards that there was no question of fatigue or lethargy seeping in after the 4-0 humbling in Ferencvaros.
"Coming into the game, we knew it was a top of the table clash and at this club, you want to play Thursday/Sunday," Greene told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
"That's why you fight so hard on domestic fronts. That's what you're here for, to play twice a week.
"Dundalk are a really good side, caused us problems on the night. But I think we were really clinical in both boxes. Al saved us a few times and we put the ball in the net at the other end.
"We did our analysis, as we do on every game. The gaffer and the staff are very meticulous. We knew we'd hurt them in behind and that's where all the goals came from. I was glad how the game panned out."
While the scoreline wears a lopsided look at the end, that owes much to Alan Mannus, who made a number of vital saves, including a spectacular stop from Keith Ward's second half free-kick.
Greene hailed the 40-year-old former Northern Ireland international - a central figure in Shamrock Rovers' last four league title wins across his two stints at the club - as the best keeper he'd played with or against in the Premier Division.
"I think Big Al is incredible. In the first half, Steven Bradley cuts inside, plays a terrific through-ball to... I think it was John Martin and Al makes an unbelievable save.
"He's the best keeper I've played with and the best I've played against. I'm not just saying it. I think everybody in the league kinda knows that. He keeps us in the game. I said to Wardy coming off the pitch, any other goalkeeper, I think that (second-half free-kick) goes in.
"Me and Rory and Aidomo are working with the best defenders and best goalkeeper in the country. It only makes us better. It's not just about scoring goals, as a team you want to keep clean sheets and that starts with me and Rory."
