Linfield's Bell named NIFWA player of the month

Linfield midfielder Megan Bell has been named June's player of the month by the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association.

Bell rejoined the Blues last season after spells at Durham, Hearts, Rangers and Nottingham Forest and has played a vital role in Ryan McConville's side sitting top of the table this campaign.

The 25-year-old scored a hat-trick when Linfield beat Crusaders Strikers 9-1 and also netted during their 8-1 win over Lisburn Ladies.

"It means a lot. We had a good month as a team and I was happy to contribute," Bell said.

"We've had a good start, but it is still very early on in the season.

"We don't want to get too carried away. We go into every game wanting to win and we'll see where it takes us at the end of the season."

It was also a successful month for Bell on the international stage after she scored her fourth international goal for Northern Ireland during their World Cup qualifying defeat against Turkey.

Bell added that she is "more like myself" as she aims to help the Blues continue their title chase.

"It took me a while to find my feet but I'm feeling more like myself every week," Bell continued.

"I'm very happy and I think playing every week helps with that."