Treble-chasing Darren Kelly is convinced Derry City can win their three games in hand and reel-in leaders Shelbourne as a potentially thrilling league climax draws ever closer.

The defender, today named eircom/Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Player of the Month for September, feels the league is priority but with an FAI Cup semi-final to contest and the League Cup already in the bag, says anything is still possible.

"I have to call a spade a spade and the league is the main one because we want to be recognised as the best team in Ireland," he says.

"However, it's great to be involved in the FAI Cup as well and I think we've got the quality and strength in our squad to cope with that and win our games in hand in the league as well.

"It would be brilliant to win the treble and hopefully come December 4th we might have achieved it."

Kelly (27) was a key figure in Derry's make-up last month as the club battled bravely on the European front. He was instrumental in holding Paris St Germain to a scoreless draw at the Brandywell before impressing again in the 2-0 away defeat.

"I'm delighted to accept this award, and I'm a bit shocked to be honest", says Kelly, who also struck home the winning penalty in the League Cup final shoot-out win over Shelbourne.

"Normally it's the strikers and the guys who score the goals that get the credit. The two games with PSG are memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was a fantastic month and I'm thrilled to collect an award on the back of it."