Cork City's Cillian Murphy in mix for PFAI Young Player of the Year

Cillian Murphy of Cork City celebrates with teammate Seani Maguire (left) after scoring his side's first goal in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division match between Cork City and Wexford at Turner's Cross in Cork. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Cork City’s Cillian Murphy has been rewarded for his breakout season with a nomination for the PFAI Young Player of the Year.

The classy 17-year-old midfielder was a constant in Barry Robson’s team that gained automatic promotion from the First Division by 19 points and is set to feature at next month’s U17 World Cup for Ireland.

The teen from Limerick has next season to run on his City contract but could join one of his UK admirers in the summer window once he reaches the 18-year-old threshold in July.

Murphy faces stiff competition in the category from Adam Brennan, the Shamrock Rovers winger who made his Ireland senior debut in June, and the Premier Division top scorer Tommy Lonergan from Waterford.

The three contenders for the main Player of the Year accolade, based on a poll by players, are Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers), Michael Duffy (Derry City) and Daryl Horgan (Dundalk).

The winners will be announced at the annual ceremony on Saturday, November 21.

Already chosen alongside the shortlists is the Premier Division Team of the Season that concludes with the FAI Cup final between Waterford and Derry City on November 8 at Lansdowne Road.

St Patrick’s Athletic, whose title tilt perished with defeats to Shelbourne and Derry City on Friday and Monday respectively, have the largest presence with four players.

The rearguard that’s made them the best defensive team statistically is rewarded by the inclusion of goalkeeper Joseph Anang along with defenders Luke Turner and Joe Redmond. Nippy attacker Kian Leavy, who is attracting interest from UK clubs, completes the quartet.

PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year: Joseph Anang (St Patrick's Athletic); Luke Turner (St Patrick's Athletic), Pico Lopes (Shamrock Rovers), Joe Redmond (St Patrick's Athletic), Tunmise Sobowale (Shamrock Rovers); Graham Burke (Shamrock Rovers), Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Kian Leavy (St Patrick's Athletic); Michael Duffy (Derry City), Tommy Lonergan (Waterford), Daryl Horgan (Dundalk).

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