Schlingermann named as goalkeeper in PFAI team of year

Naturally delighted to be named by his peers as goalkeeper in the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland team of the year, Micheál Schlingermann is now eager to cap that recognition by ensuring Drogheda United stay in the Premier Division.

Second bottom of the table, in the relegation play-off place, Drogheda are two points ahead of Limerick and behind Sligo Rovers only on goal difference ahead of hosting Longford Town on Friday night.

“Look, it’s a personal highlight rather than a team highlight,” said Schlingermann on being regarded as the top goalkeeper in the country. “We’ve a job to do in the next few weeks and I suppose a lot of that falls on my shoulders as well.

“I’ll just focus on that until the end of the season, try and [help] keep the team up and see what happens then.”

Describing the need to win on Friday night as “huge”, Schlingermann added: “It’s another cup final . . . we’ll be keeping a close eye on the result in the Markets Field and also with Sligo as well.”

Defeat for Limerick at home to Shamrock Rovers would see them relegated if Drogheda and Sligo, who are away at St Patrick's, both won.