Improvements to his all-round game and a little maturity are the ingredients that have made Richie Baker a striking success following his transatlantic return to Shelbourne.
"It was a great year," said right winger Baker of his time in American Major League Soccer with New England Revolution under former Liverpool and Scotland defender Steve Nicol.
"He was a top man that I had looked up to for years," added the 25-year-old Dubliner of his manager in Massachusetts. "The players at the club were brilliant and being around them for a year helped me out. The facilities were excellent and we had everything that could help a player to develop."
Baker has been little short of phenomenal, scoring seven goals, despite not starting Shelbourne's first game and then effectively missing two games following a sending off against Waterford.
Baker's exploits were rewarded yesterday as he received the Eircom-sponsored Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland player of the month award for April.
"Richie fully deserves it," said his manager Pat Fenlon.
"He's had a fabulous six weeks, but it's a team effort and he appreciates that. But he deserves it as he has played really well for us," added Fenlon, who acknowledged how noticeable has been Baker's improvement.
"He thinks more about his game. When he was here before he was more off-the-cuff. He's now part of a team. He's listening to the gameplan.
"His defensive side has improved along with his technique and crossing.
"He's improved all-round. He's also getting a little older and that helps as well."
Ironically, as the league leaders travel to Drogheda United tonight looking for a seventh straight win, Baker and fellow winger Wes Hoolahan have groin strains. Stuart Byrne (thigh) and Jamie Harris (hand) are all struggling to be fit, while Glen Crowe (hamstring) is a week away from recovery.
With Colin Hawkins suspended, Owen Heary may be employed as an emergency central defender with Stephen Brennan standing by to replace his captain at right back.
Bobby Ryan and Ollie Cahill also wait in the wings.
Drogheda are forced into a switch in goal, with Gary Rogers replacing Dan Connor, who is out with a groin problem. Finnish midfielder Sami Ristila is available again having served a one-match suspension.
Left back Danny Murphy returns from suspension for second-placed Cork City, though manager Damien Richardson is reluctant to change his starting 11 for their visit to the RSC for the first Munster derby of the season against Waterford United.
Something has to give as Waterford defend their 100 per cent record at home and Cork their unblemished away sequence.
Kevin Doherty returns to Waterford's defence following a head injury, though Sean Finn (knee) is out and fellow midfielder Paul Crowley (groin) is a doubt.
Sunderland-bound Daryl Murphy is again unlikely to feature as his discussions on personal terms continue, despite the clubs having agreed an undisclosed transfer fee.
St Patrick's Athletic have striker Keith Dunne back from a ban as they defend their unbeaten home record against Shamrock Rovers.
Midfielder Cathal O'Connor returns from a suspension for Rovers, who remain without striker Steve Feeney (ankle) for up to another month.
Stephen Fox must pass a late fitness test on a calf strain if he is to lead the line for Bray Wanderers at home to Derry City.
Derry have left-sided midfielder Killian Brennan back following a groin strain, though Kevin Deery (knee) and Barry Molloy (shin splints) are injured.
Ken Oman and Dessie Byrne return to the Bohemians defence following suspension for the visit of Longford Town to Dalymount Park.
Dessie Baker, who came off with a groin strain as they bowed out of the Setanta Cup at Windsor Park on Tuesday, is out of the Longford side.
Stephen Paisley's return to central defence may mean Sean Dillon switching to left back and Sean Prunty pushing on into midfield, thus allowing Shane Barrett to partner Andy Myler in attack.
Today'sFixtures
(7.45 unless stated)
NATIONAL LEAGUE - Premier Division: Bohemians v Longford Town; Bray Wanderers v Derry City; Drogheda Utd v Shelbourne; St Patrick's Ath v Shamrock Rovers (7.00); Waterford v Cork City (7.30). First Division: Galway Utd v Monaghan Utd (7.30); Limerick FC v Cobh Ramblers.
ENGLISH LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS - League One semi-final, first leg: Hartlepool v Tranmere.
