Shamrock Rovers defender Joey O’Brien has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for October.

Defensive partner Roberto Lopes was one of the players that the former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham player edged out to claim the prize.

The hugely-experienced defender was a standout performer for the Hoops in the final weeks of the season, scoring against UCD, and excelling at the Aviva Stadium as Stephen Bradley’s side ended the club’s 32-year wait to lift the FAI Cup.

"It’s been a great few weeks," the lifelong Rovers fan said. "Winning the FAI Cup was a nice way to end the season.

"When I came back to Ireland, the only thing I wanted to do was play for Shamrock Rovers. I spoke to the manager and Stephen McPhail and we talked about winning silverware with the club.

"Luckily, we’ve been able to do that. I had loads of family members at the game who are Shamrock Rovers fans and you could see just how much it meant to them."

The ex-Ireland international has been praised for the leadership he has provided within the squad and he even played with a dislocated shoulder at one stage this season.

33-year-old O’Brien finished ahead of Lopes, who was runner-up, and third-placed Michael Duffy of Dundalk.

Although he is on a well-deserved break now the season has ended, O'Brien has set his sights on wrestling the Premier Division title from Dundalk in 2020.

"I’m already looking forward to getting back," O’Brien added. "The main aim will be closing that gap on Dundalk, so hopefully we can get off to a good start next season.

"The manager will want to bring in a couple of players to add competition and a bit of freshness that you need in order for us to kick on to the next level."