Mix of youth and experience in our SSE Airtricity League Team of the Month for August

August saw some significant change in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Former Republic of Ireland international Keith Fahey was forced to retire, just as Damien Duff began his stint with Shamrock Rovers, while another former Ireland winger, Keith Tracey, signed a short-term deal with Drogheda United.

Drogheda manager John McDonnell said the player would give his side a “big lift”, however, McDonnell will not be around to experience any potential boost from the 26-year-old’s presence.

The former St. Patrick’s Athletic manager stepped down from his post following a disastrous August, which saw the Louth side only pick up one point from a possible 15.

Another former Irish international, Mark Kinsella, has taken charge with Drogheda just four points clear of the league’s in-form team.

Limerick have enjoyed an incredible run of form in the past few weeks, winning four of their five games, and scoring 11 goals in the process.

Martin Russell’s side were involved in a series of dramatic wins, including 3-2 away to Cork, and 4-3 at home to Bohemians, as well as a crushing 4-1 win over relegation rivals Drogheda.

At the opposite end of the table, Dundalk are eight points clear of second place Cork City, after 25 games, and look odds on to retain their title.

While St Pats may have recorded a victory over Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium, the Inchicore side exited the FAI Cup and lost Chris Forrester, one of the league’s brightest talents, to League One side Peterborough United.

For our SSE Aitricity Team of the Month we’ve new additions alongside some of the league’s more established players. We’re opting for a 4-3-3 formation, with three in-form strikers, ahead of a hardworking and talented midfield.

Goalkeeper

We’ve opted for Paul Hunt, who pulled off a series of saves against Dundalk as Longford Town held the league leaders to a goalless draw.

Defence

Luke Byrne gets the nod at right-back. The 22-year-old was impressive for Shamrock Rovers at home to Cork City, providing an assist, and causing endless trouble down the Leesiders’ left-flank, as Rovers recorded a resounding 3-0 victory. Fellow Rovers’ defender Conor Kenna starts alongside Byrne.

Kenna dealt comfortably with in-from Cork striker Mark O’Sullivan during the game at Tallaght Stadium, expertly reading the game, nullifying attacks and taking a well-earned place in our team for a second consecutive month.

Tim Clancy takes his place alongside Kenna after impressing on-loan from Shamrock Rovers at Sligo. The 31-year-old scored the only goal in the win against Derry City at the Showgrounds.

At left-back, we’ve opted for Aaron Barry who put in a series of impressive, all-round performances as Derry recorded two clean sheets during August.

Midfield

We’ve opted for a three-man midfield this month, which will require Daryl Horgan to play out of position, but is still packed full of quality and goals.

Limerick put together an amazing run during August, securing 13 of a possible 15 points, which featured a series of dramatic games, and narrowed the gap on second from bottom Drogheda.

Lee-J Lynch was at the centre of most of Limerick’s positive play. The 23-year-old put in an all-action display against Bohemians and even managed to get on the scoresheet.

Goal Vine: No stopping this! Lee-J Lynch makes it 3-3 against Bohemians #loi #LimerickFC @LOIrelandGoals https://t.co/GgEze5oeWF

— Limerick FC (@LimerickFCie) August 11, 2015

Alongside Lynch, we’ve selected Richie Towell, who made headlines for a kick at Jack McGrath, but, once again showed his stellar ability on the field.

The pick of the Dundalk midfielder’s performances came against Bohemians last Friday. Towell was excellent throughout the 2-2 draw, and popped up with a 94th minute equaliser for the league leaders.

Daryl Horgan completes our midfield, and we’re going to ask him to play slightly out of position. However, the Dundalk winger was excellent this month, particularly in his side’s 4-1 rout against St Pats.

Horgan set up two, and scored another, and showed why he’s been one of the best players in the SSE Airtricity League this year.

Forwards

Our primary reason for selecting three midfielders, was so we could get these three in-form strikers into our team.

Danny North scored three goals in four games for Shamrock Rovers, while Vinny Faherty showed brilliant goalscoring form for a resurgent Limerick during August.

The 28-year-old scored twice against Sligo Rovers at Market’s Field, securing a 3-2 win and the Munster side’s first victory of the season.

Faherty followed that display up with the opening goals in Limerick’s wins over Cork and Drogheda respectively.

David McMillan is the final striker in our attacking trio. The Dundalk forward secured three points for the Lilywhites with the second goal in their 2-0 win over Derry city, before scoring twice against St Pats three days later.

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