Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland

Karl Sheppard has been named the Airtricity/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for April. 

The Galway United striker had a busy April playing in all eight of the Tribesmen's games during the month. But, he showed no signs of tiredness netting four goals striking up a devastating partnership with Anto Flood as the pair were named as the deadliest duo in Ireland by manager Seán Connor.

Sheppard, 19, began the month by netting in a 2-2 draw against Sporting Fingal before producing a man of the match performance in Galway's 3-2 win over Bohemians as he scored twice and won the match-winning penalty.

He added a further goal against Bray Wanderers though his link-up play also earned him rave reviews as he had a hand in all of strike partner Flood's five goals during the month as well.

Sheppard grew up in Dublin playing for schoolboy club Portmarnock before joining Shelbourne where his form alerted Everton who paid €150,000 to bring him to Goodison Park in 2007.

A regular in the Toffees' youth and reserve sides, he decided to return home this season joining Galway, initially on loan until his Everton contract runs out this summer.

His form earned him his first Player of the Month award as he beat off competition from Dundalk's Tom Miller, UCD's Evan McMillan and Paul Byrne of St Patrick's Athletic.

He also becomes only the sixth Galway United player to claim the award after Mick McLoughlin, Denis Bonner, Paul McGee, John Brennan and Derek O'Brien.