STEPHEN MCPHAIL WILL captain Shamrock Rovers next year after committing to a third season with the Hoops.

The former Ireland international, who joined Rovers in early 2014, will also continue his coaching role with the club’s youth development section.

Manager Pat Fenlon hailed McPhail, 36, as a top quality player and a great role model.

“We have made Stephen club captain in recognition of what he brings to the club, the squad and the team on the pitch,” Fenlon explained.

“He is exactly the player we need for this role.

Stephen is a quality player. What he brings to the dressing room is fantastic. He brings out the best in the players around him.

“We enjoyed probably our best run of games in the league last season when Stephen was in the team.

“He is a great role model for the younger players to look up and learn what it is like to be a top quality football player.”

Shamrock Rovers – 2016 Squad

Barry Murphy, Craig Hyland, Simon Madden, David Webster, David O’Connor, Luke Byrne, Rob Cornwall, Sean Heaney, Max Blanchard, Trevor Clarke, Gavin Brennan, Gary McCabe, Patrick Cregg, Brandon Miele, Killian Brennan, Stephen McPhail (c), Danny North, Mikey Drennan, Gary Shaw, Dean Clarke.