UCD STRIKER RYAN Swan has been announced as the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers’ Association of Ireland Player of the Month for July.

The 19-year-old starlet was a key figure in UCD’s Europa League campaign, scoring three goals in four games as the Students punched above their weight in Europe.

“I’m delighted to get the award. It’s not very often that a First Division player gets it so I’m thrilled,” he said.

“When I joined UCD I didn’t think I would be playing European football but it turned out we got it and it was an unbelievable experience.”

Swan also believes the European run can give his side the confidence to push on and earn promotion to the Airtricity League Premier Division.

“The European run has brought us even more together and it has definitely helped us even since we have gone back to the league. We have won all our games since we went out of Europe.

“It’s good to see players all over the pitch scoring and everyone chipping in. The team are playing well and getting points.

“The European run has given us momentum and we’re really looking forward to every game and trying to get those points to win the league.

“I just want to keep scoring, working hard and keep playing well for the team and hopefully we can get the goal of promotion.”

Swan won the award despite competition from Shamrock Rovers’ Brandon Miele and Cork City’s Mark O’Sullivan, who were second and third respectively.

Originally published at 12.50

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