David McMillan - POTM for July
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David McMillan scoops SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month award
David McMillan scored two headers against BATE Borisov in the 3-0 win at Tallaght StadiumDundalk striker David McMillan has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July after a month spent terrorising defenders.
It is the third time that McMillan has won the monthly award.
McMillan bagged eight goals during July as Stephen Kenny’s Lilywhites had a month to remember.
The striker hit back-to-back hat-tricks against Derry City and Longford Town in Dundalk’s only two league games in the month as Stephen Kenny’s side went on a stunning Champions League run.
McMillan netted in both legs as the Lilywhites dumped out FH Hafnarfjordur.
He then bagged a brace in the second leg against BATE Borisov last week as Dundalk shocked the Belarusian side 3-1 on aggregate.
The 27-year-old was delighted to pick up the monthly award and insists it is a spell he will not forget.
“The award comes after a good month so I’m delighted to get it,” said McMillan.
“I had two hat-tricks in the month so that was a bit of a once-off too.
“Between the league and Europe it’s been a good run for us and obviously it was topped off with an incredible night against BATE in Tallaght.”
The Lilywhites returned to league action with a 1-0 defeat to Galway United last Friday, but McMillan hopes that is just a blip and believes their European run will not be a distraction.
Dundalk take on Polish side Legia Warsaw in the Champions League play-off round on 17 August at the Aviva Stadium. The second leg will take place six days later.
“It shouldn’t be a distraction,” McMillan added.
“We went a long time without a league game and we had a couple of injuries against Galway but we’re still capable.
"We didn’t take our chances against Galway and that was disappointing. We’ll need to improve on that.
“Legia are a great side and we’re going to be massive underdogs. They’ve had some great results in Europe. But our squad is feeling fit and strong, the players feel good.”
In winning the award, McMillan beat off competition from Cork City midfielder Greg Bolger, who finished second.
Bray Wanderers goalkeeper Peter Cherrie was third.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2016/...avid-mcmillan/
Dundalk website report
http://www.dundalkfc.com/mcmillan-named-swai-potm/
