Glentoran striker Jay Donnelly has scooped the Golden Boot award after a sterling season that yielded 30 goals for the gifted goalgetter.

The 27-year-old scored against Larne on Friday night to secure the award, finishing with six goals more than his former Cliftonville team mate Joe Gormley.

“I have to be happy with my season personally but I think I can do more, there’s always more you can do in a football match”, said the Glentoran marksman. “Friday night wasn’t our night but we’ll re-group and go again next season.

“I’m delighted to win the Golden Boot, though. It’s going to sound a bit cliched but it has always been a dream of mine to win the top goalscorer award in the Irish League.

“I’ve played for a number of years now and when you look at the players who have won the award, it’s incredible that I’m now part of that list.

“Since I came to Glentoran, the manager has put me through the middle and I feel like I found my feet straight away and I feel like I’ve found a good place to continue.”

The NI Football Awards is a joint venture between NIFWA and NI Football League.