Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot has capped off a great start to the season by winning the SSE Airtricity League/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month award for April.

The former Sunderland man was brought in by the Gypsies in the off-season with a view to challenging Shane Supple for the number one shirt.

However Supple was forced to retire due to a persistent knee injury and he made the announcement just the day after Talbot signed.

The 22-year-old Dubliner's goal was breached just once in April, a late penalty scored by Dundalk striker Pat Hoban at Oriel Park.

Talbot kept 6 clean sheets in that month and was delighted to receive the award.

“I could possibly say I’m surprised to win the award but it’s good to get acknowledged when you’re doing well personally and as a collective,” Talbot said.

“I’m really happy with my start as I have worked hard with Benno (goalkeeping coach Chris Bennion) from day one and he has helped me to come on leaps and bounds.

“That said, I’m in no way sitting comfortable as I need to work harder to get the best out of myself.”

James Talbot pips team-mate to win award

Talbot pipped his team-mate Daniel Mandroiu to the award with the midfield playmaker finishing in second while Michael Duffy of Dundalk was third place.

“Dano has serious talent,” Talbot added.

“The things he does in training are ridiculous and he is a great lad, which is an added bonus. He put in some unbelievable performances in April, so I’m surprised he didn’t win.”

Meanwhile, the club has sold out all of the online tickets for next month's Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park.

Any remaining printed tickets for the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash on Friday June 14 will be on sale from Dalymount tomorrow.