League of Ireland News round-upDrogheda United right-back Brian Shelley was last night named the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland Player of the Year for 2007.
Shelley won the award ahead of team-mate Shane Robinson, Keith Fahey (St Patrick's Athletic), Joe Gamble (Cork City), Dave Mooney (Longford Town) and Brian Murphy (Bohemians).
Finn Harps' striker Conor Gethins was voted First Division Player of the Year. As their prize, Shelley and Gethins get the use of a Ford Focus car for a year as part of the company's new four-year sponsorship of the PFAI awards.
St Patrick's Athletic striker Mark Quigley won the young player-of-the-year award while Dublin referee Paul Tuite was voted referee of the year.
Meanwhile, Derry City are without suspended winger Killian Brennan for tonight's play-off for a place in next season's Setanta Sports Cup. League Cup winners Derry won the toss to host First Division champions Cobh Ramblers at the Brandywell in a one-off match. Midfielder Gareth McGlynn and striker Mark Farren must prove their fitness for John Robertson's side. Eugene Ferry stands by to replace Patrick Jennings (hip) in goal.
Cobh are without their captain Alan Carey who is suspended.
PFAI LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE YEAR 2007:Brian Murphy (Bohemians); Brian Shelley (Drogheda United), Ken Oman (Derry City), Graham Gartland (Drogheda United), Simon Webb (Drogheda United); Keith Fahey (St Patrick's Athletic), Joe Gamble (Cork City), Adam Hughes (Sligo Rovers), Derek O'Brien (Galway United); Dave Mooney (Longford Town), Mark Quigley (St Patrick's Athletic).
PFAI LEAGUE OF IRELAND FIRST DIVISION TEAM OF THE YEAR 2007:James Gallagher (Finn Harps); Alan Carey (Cobh Ramblers), Pat Purcell (Limerick 37), Shane Guthrie (Cobh Ramblers), Shaun Holmes (Finn Harps); James Chambers (Shelbourne), Conor Sinnott (Wexford Youths), Tony Shields (Finn Harps), Davin O'Neill (Cobh Ramblers); Graham Cummins (Cobh Ramblers), Conor Gethins (Finn Harps).
