Soccer: Shamrock Rovers forward Karl Sheppard has been named the Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Player of the Month for October.

The striker was starred and scored for his club domestically and in Europe in a month that culminated in another league title for the Hoops.

Sheppard began the month with the opener in a four-nil home win over Drogheda United and then struck both goals in a 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers.

The second was an injury-time winner for Rovers and came after Sheppard was rested for the 1-1 draw with Bohemians four days earlier.

“It wasn’t a bad thing in hindsight that I wasn’t selected for the Bohs game, it seemed to put a bit of fire in my belly. Competition for places is healthy in any team,” said Sheppard.

“The Bray result was huge, if we didn’t win it would have put us in a difficult situation but that win gave us an edge over the rest, for sure. It was a big win and one that really seemed to give us the belief to go on and reclaim the Championship, we were determined to not let it get away from us after that.”

The highlight of his month came at the Toumba Stadium in Greece against PAOK Salonika in the Europa League.

“Of the goals I got in October the one against a club with a huge pedigree, and budget like PAOK was my favourite. It was my first start in Europe so it was nice to score”, added Sheppard.

He added another league goal with the opener in a 4-0 win over his old club Galway United, with whom he won a Player of the Month award in April 2010.

“It was nice to score in a game against a club where I played before, and hopefully Galway United will do the business and stay up on Friday night”, added Sheppard.

“It’s been a great season and it’s a nice honour to win the Player of the Month prize for a second time.”