Zayed and Stevens' seasons recognised by their peers

DERRY CITY striker Eamon Zayed was named as the PFAI’s Player of the Year on Saturday night in Dublin where the consistently impressive performances this year by Enda Stevens of Shamrock Rovers and Cork City’s Graham Cummins were also recognised by their fellow League of Ireland professionals.

Zayed lifted the most coveted of the Tissot sponsored awards after a season in which he scored 22 league goals for the Candystripes and helped Stephen Kenny’s side to yet another League Cup success.

The striker, who has been criticised at times in the past for not always delivering on his goal-scoring potential, thanked his club manager for the positive impact he has had on his career and expressed the hope that he will be able to cement his place in the Libya squad at a friendly tournament next month in the Middle East ahead of the African Cup of Nations in the new year.

“I wasn’t able to go the last time I was called up,” said the 28-year-old, “but I’m hoping to make a good impression this time and I’d love to go to the Nations Cup.”

Stevens picked up the young player award after another hugely successful season at Shamrock Rovers and ahead of his move to Aston Villa in January.

The First Division award, meanwhile, went to Graham Cummins for the second year in succession.

Asked about the prospect of him leaving Cork for England between now and the spring he said, “Well, I’m just back from a trial at Wolves but I had an absolute ’mare so that won’t be happening, that’s for sure. Aside from that, I just don’t know.”

Richard Dunne won the International Player award while international goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly stepped in as the special guest after former international Roy Keane withdrew due to a chest infection.

PFAI AWARDS: The winners

Player of the year

Eamon Zayed (Derry City)

Young player of the year

Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers)

First Division player of the year

Graham Cummins (Cork City)

Irish overseas player of the year

Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)

Referee of the year

Neil Doyle

PFAI Merit Award

Fran Ray