Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin has put his blistering start to the season down to Oran Kearney's gruelling pre-season.
Shevlin starred for the Bannsiders during August with the striker scoring six goals in the opening month of the season.
His goals against Portadown, Carrick Rangers and Glenavon have earned the 23-year-old the Dream Spanish Homes Player of the Month.
Read more: Rangers beat Napoli with a little help from Northern Ireland teens
Shevlin said: “I’m delighted with my start to the season, but more importantly the team has also made a good start. I think you can attribute it to our good pre-season. Oran Kearney ran us hard and I think that hard work has paid off.
“We’re right up there but other teams have also impressed. It’s a very competitive league where everyone can win on their day.
"We were confident going into the Glenavon game and ended up on the end of a heavy defeat, which proved how difficult this league is.
“I’d like to thank the Football Writers and their new sponsors Dream Spanish Homes for this award.”
Dream Spanish Homes is a property company run by ex-Coleraine and Cliftonville left-back Gerry Flynn that specialises in finding the ideal homes for those looking to relocate to Spain.
Flynn said: “We’re delighted to be the new sponsors of this prestigious award.
“I’m pleased that the first award went to a player from one of my old clubs. Matthew is a smashing young footballer with a real eye for goal.”
NIFWA Chair Ruth Gorman added: “We’re thrilled to have Dream Spanish Homes on board for the new season. The company has been a long-time supporter of our association, and with Gerry’s history in Irish League football, it’s a great match.”
Glentoran’s Aidan Wilson was runner-up while Crusaders star Paul Heatley was third.
READ NEXT:
- Rangers ace Davis offers different view on 'we can't compete' claims
-
Michael Gault tells funny story about drunken Northern Ireland call-up
-
That's What I Call Football podcast returns for the new season!
-
Belfast Manchester United fan writes new quiz book on club he loves
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
