Robbie Keane wins Irish player of the year award

Ireland's top international football stars were today honoured at the 20th FAI International Football Awards.

Ireland captain, Robbie Keane scooped the senior international player of the year award while his goal against France in the FIFA World Cup play-off in November was voted as the international goal of the year.

The young player award went to Manchester United's Darron Gibson while Seamus Coleman captured the U21 award as Lanre Oyebanjo was crowned the U19 player of the year.


The FAI International Player of the Year Award winners are:

Senior International Player of the Year:
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur

International Goal of the Year:
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
France V Rep of Ireland, 18th November 2009

Young International Player of the Year:
Darron Gibson - Manchester United






















Under 21 International Player of the Year
Seamus Coleman - Everton
















Airtricity League Player of the Year:
Gary Twigg - Shamrock Rovers

Under 19 International Player of the Year:
Lanre Oyebanjo - Histon FC

Under 17 International Player of the Year:
Stephen McDonnell - Dundalk FC

Under 16 International Player of the Year:
John O'Sullivan - Blackburn Rovers

Senior Women's International Player of the Year:
Niamh Fahey - Arsenal

Ireland U21 squad announced

Ireland under-21 manager Don Givens has named an 18-man squad for next month's European Championship qualifier in Tallinn against Estonia.

Histon's Lanre Oyebanjo, James McKeown of Peterborough United and Aston Villa's James Collins are included in the squad for the first time. Reading midfielder Scott Davies is also in line to make his debut for Ireland at this level.

Manager Don Givens is looking forward to the squad: 'Estonia are a good side, they work very hard and will make it difficult for us, especially since they are at home.

'They went to Switzerland earlier this month and won. I saw that match and I was impressed by them. It's a tricky fixture for us but I'm very happy with the squad I have.'


He added: 'A lot of the players are experienced at this level, having been regulars with the under-21s for some time now.

'We also have a few new faces in the squad, so I am looking forward to getting a close look at those players. This is a strong squad, one that is certainly capable of making an impact in the European Championship qualifiers.'

Ireland U21 Squad

Shane Redmond (Burton Albion), James McKeown (Peterborough United), Michael Spillane (Norwich City), Brendan Moloney (Notts County), Darren Dennehy (Hereford United), Shane Lowry (Aston Villa), Ian Bermingham (Shamrock Rovers), Lanre Oyebanjo (Histon), Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons), David Meyler (Sunderland), Owen Garvan (Ipswich Town), James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic), Alan Judge (Plymouth Argyle), Jay O'Shea (Birmingham City), Scott Davies (Reading), Cillian Sheridan (Plymouth Argyle), Sean Scannell (Crystal Palace) and James Collins (Aston Villa).