Cliftonville's Luke Turner was named Young Player of the Year at the NI Football Awards.

The Dublin-born defender excelled for the Reds this season, during a season long loan from Aberdeen.

The teenager said: “I’d like to thank NIFL and the Football Writers’ for this award. It’s an honour to be named Young Player of the Year. Thanks to everyone that voted for me.

“I’d also like to Paddy McLaughlin and Declan O’Hara for all their guidance this year. I’d particularly like to thank the Cliftonville support, because without them none of this would be possible.

“This season, we just missed out on the league title, but we won the BetMcLean League Cup, so I think it’s fair to say we had a brilliant season. It was a great thing to be a part of.”

Cliftonville’s assistant manager Declan O’Hara said: “Luke is a fantastic young footballer. It’s been a privilege to work with him. We would love to have him again next season, but Aberdeen might have other ideas.”

This year’s NI Football Awards were voted for by the members of the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association and the Danske Bank Premiership managers.

(Cliftonville assistant manager Declan O'Hara collects award from NIFWA Chair Ruth Gorman)