A game-changing performance in Cliftonville Ladies remarkable Women’s League Cup final victory has helped Naomi McLaughlin earn the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership Player of the Month award for June.
McLaughlin played a part in all four goals as the Reds fought back from 2-0 down to beat Glentoran Women 4-2 in that League Cup decider, capping an impressive month in which she also shone against Lisburn Ladies as well as scoring in a victory over Larne Women.
For the former Northern Ireland under-19 international the Player of the Month award is an endorsement of her strong comeback from an injury-ravaged 2024 season as she spent most of the campaign on the sidelines as the Reds claimed a trophy treble.
“I’m buzzing, of course, it’s great to pick up Player of the Month,” said McLaughlin.
“I’m just glad to help the team in any way I can.
“I was involved in all four goals in the League Cup final. That was really nice for me.
“What a game. We always make it hard for ourselves, but I’m glad I could help the team and four assists is good for anyone so I was happy about that.
“I missed a lot of football and now I’m buzzing to be back..
“It’s nice to pick up this award when I’ve been out for a long time.”
Modest McLaughlin, who previously played for Sion Swifts Ladies before joining Cliftonville in January 2024, is setting even higher standards for herself, targeting more goals as well as silverware in the second half of the season.
“It could have been a better month for me, I don’t think goals wise I scored enough,” she said.
“I’m glad with assists to help out the team in whatever way I can. It’s all about the team at the end of the day and I think we’re having a good run at this stage of the season so I’m happy.”
