Larne's Cosgrove 'thrilled' to pick up NIFWA award

Cosgrove joined the Inver Reds from Cliftonville in 2018

Larne captain Tomas Cosgrove has been named September's Irish Premiership player of the month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.

The 32-year-old played in all of the Inver Reds five victories in September as they beat Bangor, Glenavon, Crusaders and Carrick Rangers in the league and Queen's in the County Antrim Shield.

Defender Cosgrove also played a key part in his side not conceding for the whole month of September in all competitions.

"It's the first time I've won this award so I'm thrilled," Cosgrove said after picking up the award.

"I'm the man collecting the trophy, but we defend as a team, so all the players deserve credit for the clean sheets.

"Gary Haveron has been brilliant as well, he has kept the ship steady through some tough times."

While September was a very successful month for Larne, October has not been as kind thus far with a 2-0 by Dungannon Swifts in Haveron's first loss since he became interim manager.

"We were excellent in September but obviously started October with a loss to Dungannon Swifts," Cosgrove continued.

"Hopefully we can bounce back and put more wins on the board."