Dundalk defender Dane Massey has been named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for September.

It is the first time that Massey has won the monthly award which was presented to him today by Leanne Sheill from SSE Airtricity.

Massey was terrific for the Lilywhites in September, scoring twice in their EA Sports Cup final win over Shamrock Rovers and helping them stay top of the SSE Airtricity league with two games to go.

Massey was thrilled to be recognised for his form but admits his main focus is on winning the league title.

“It’s a great honour for myself to win player of the month, not many defenders win it. I’m absolutely delighted,” said Massey.

“The EA Sports Cup win was massive for the club. To get some silverware was a great confidence boost going into the title run-in.

“The most important thing for now is just to focus on our own game and not worry about anyone else. We know we play the best football in the league.”

Massey put Dundalk’s fantastic season down to boss Stephen Kenny and insists the manager is keeping them focused for the final two league games against Bray Wanderers and Cork City.

“It’s still in our hands with two games to go. Bray away isn’t going to be easy but the important thing is we get over that and then look at Cork at home. We’re confident,” he added.

“The gaffer has kept us focused and we said from the start we would take it one game at a time and this season has been great.

“We’ve played a lot of games and all we can do is look at the next fixture and be confident. We know we can beat anyone.

“Stephen Kenny has been crucial. He knows each individual and that it is important. He has done really well and the lads love him.”

In winning the award Massey fended off competition from Derry City striker Rory Patterson who was second. Cork City goalkeeper Mark McNulty was third.