Drogheda United defender Brian Shelley is the eircom/ Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) Player of the Month for April.

The former Bohemians, Carlisle and Shamrock Rovers defender (25) has been a revelation in the Drogheda side this season and is relishing his time with the club.

Drogheda face Linfield in Saturday's Setanta Cup final in Belfast and Shelley was a key component in getting his side to this stage of the prestigious tournament.

The Dubliner's sterling display and impressive concentration in the marathon semi-final win over St Patrick's Athletic was a leading factor in his side's progression.

"I've never been fitter than I am now," says the player who was part-time before joining the Boynesiders.

"I surprised myself in the game against St Pat's, I still had buckets of energy even though the match went to extra time.

"I was unfit coming back from Carlisle as I sat out the last two months of the season there. The training here at Drogheda is very intense, it's definitely the hardest training I've ever had. It's more professional than anywhere I've been.".

"(Manager) Paul Doolin pushes us hard although he doesn't really have to because a lot of the lads here are good pros and do the extra training anyway. It makes a big difference.

"Paul gave me a lot of extra training when I came here first and I wasn't pushed straight into the team because if you aren't fit then he won't play you."