Cliftonville's Michael McCrudden is the NIFWA Danske Bank Player of the Month for April.

The former Institute man bagged nine goals in April, scoring hat-tricks against both Warrenpoint Town and Carrick Rangers.

A delighted McCrudden said: “It’s nice to be recognised and I’d like to thank the Football Writers for this award.

“I’ve scored a few goals recently, but this award isn’t just about me, it’s about the team as everyone has played their part.

“I really enjoyed April because I had the opportunity to play up front with a strike partner. I always enjoy playing as part of a two-man forward line, as you get a lot of chances in that system and I always bacK myself to score if I get enough chances.

“It’s up to me to build on this good run of form. There’s no point winning an award one month, if you play poorly the next month.”

It’s the third time McCrudden has won the prestigious monthly award. He won it twice as an Institute player.