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  General

• Tuesday August 7th, 2012 @ 13:05

CHRIS FAGAN IS PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The Airtricity/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland award for July has been awarded to St Patrick's Athletic striker Chris Fagan.

Fagan, who pipped Drogheda United's Alan McNally and Sligo Rovers' Gavin Peers for the accolade, becomes the second Saints player to win the award this season following Chris Forrester's terrific month in April.

A return of three goals from four games, including the late winner against Siroki Brijeg in their Europa League qualifier, saw the Dubliner earn the majority of votes and win the award for the first time.

"It's my first time to win the award — it's been some month.

"Every game has been a final. It's great to win as an individual but I wouldn't have scored the goals if the others lads weren't all playing so well," said Fagan.

Since he joined the Saints from Bohemians, Fagan has emerged as a key player for Liam Buckley's team and has led the line well as a lone striker in a 4-3-3 system in both domestic and European competition.

While the Premier Division title is still one of their main targets, Fagan and Co are fully focused on Thursday's second leg clash with Hannover 96, where they trail 3-0 from last week's first meeting.

As they land in Germany for the return leg, 23-year-old Fagan is hopeful that the Saints can produce a battling display to make things uncomfortable for their Bundesliga opponents.

"I felt we performed okay but the three goals left us gutted.

"It's hard to think the tie is nearly over as we wanted to go over with a chance to frustrate them.

"Conceding three [goals] was a huge blow but we'll try and go over and win the tie."