McClean named PFAI Overseas Player of the Year

James McClean has won the PFAI Overseas Player of the Year award.

The Derry native beat international teammates Robbie Brady and Shane Duffy to the award, less than a week after being crowned the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year for 2017.

McClean attended the awards ceremony at the Marker Hotel in Dublin to collect his award, and reflected on a mixed year for the boys in green.

The 28 year old said the result against Denmark “will hurt for a long time”, and he also accused the Republic of Ireland’s critics of “having short memories” during his acceptance speech.

https://twitter.com/eirSport/status/943802293341663234

The Ryan McBride Foundation was the charity partner of the awards, and a touching tribute was paid to the former Derry City captain on the night.

Cork City manager John Caulfield won the 2017 Manager of the Year award after guiding the Leesiders to a domestic double.

Preston striker Sean Maguire was the PFA Ireland EA SPORTSâ„¢ Players’ Player of the Year Winner, and Katie McCabe was chosen as the PFA Ireland Women’s Senior International Player of the Year on the night.

Shamrock Rovers’ Trevor Clarke won the Young Player of the Year award, and Emma Byrne won the Merit Award.

Champions Cork had three representatives on the Premier Division Team of the Year, while Dundalk had four, Derry City had two, and Shamrock Rovers and Galway United had one apiece.

Premier Division Team of the Year: