Linfield boss David Healy is the NIFWA Manager of the Month for December.

The Blues made a slow start to the month with a 4-0 defeat to Glentoran at The Oval, but bounced back to claim league wins over Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Coleraine before gaining revenge on their Big Two rivals on Boxing Day.

Healy's men also drew with champions Larne in the league and knocked the Invermen out of the BetMcLean Cup via a penalty shootout.

Healy said: "Considering our level of performance against Glentoran at The Oval, there was a massive contrast between the start of the month and the end of it.

"I think beating Larne on penalties in the cup a few days after the Glentoran loss helped. That allowed us to move on quickly from that defeat and enjoy a good month.

"We can look back on December with some pride, considering the amount of games and the quality of opposition we faced."

It is the 17th time in his career that David Healy has won this award.