Mullingar’s Keena nets player of the month award

Mullingar man Aidan Keena has been named winner of the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month award for March.

Keena fired four goals in as many games during the period, including a magnificent hat-trick against Finn Harps and a goal against champions Shamrock Rovers.

The 22-year-old, who started off his career as a youngster with Mullingar Athletic, is currently the Premier Division’s top scorer with a tally of five, while the Bit O’Red remain unbeaten after the first six matches of the 2022 campaign.

“I’m delighted to win the award,” said the former Hearts striker. “It’s been a good start to the season for us and I’ve chipped in with a few goals.

“I worked with Liam [Buckley] before at St Pat’s and I get on with him well, so I had no worries coming up here and I’ve fitted in brilliantly with the lads in the dressing room.”

The former Ireland U21 international moved to the Showgrounds from Falkirk in January, and he has gone some way to filling the void left by Johnny Kenny’s move to Celtic.

“It was a big loss when Johnny left and Sligo Rovers fans would have been looking to see how we were going to get goals, but I’ve had a good start so hopefully I can keep that going and they won’t be too worried,” Keena added.

“One of my aims for this season is the Golden Boot, but there are only six games gone and it’s a long season ahead.”

Keena will be in action again for Sligo Rovers in their Premier Division clash against Shelbourne at the Showgrounds tomorrow night (7.45pm).