Portadown defender Ross Redman voted top player for December

Portadown defender Ross Redman has been selected as the Irish Premiership's top player for the month of December.

Glentoran's Stephen Carson came second and Kevin Braniff of Portadown third in the player of the month awards run by the NI Football Writers' Association.

Redman operates as an attacking left-back and was credited with setting up four of Portadown's goals in December.

He also scored his side's first goal in the 2-0 Boxing Day Mid-Ulster derby win over Glenavon at Shamrock Park.

"It is not often you see left-backs getting these awards, it is usually the players putting the ball in the net, so I am delighted," said the 23-year-old.

"I had a bit of an injury at the start of the season but have got over that.

"The team is starting to push on a bit now after what, for us, was a poor start to the season.

"We have quality players in the team but the problem was conceding too many goals. We need to keep it tight at the back."