John Egan admitted to a tinge of sadness after picking up the top prize during Gillingham’s end-of-season award ceremony.

He was quick to salute his inspirational late father after claiming the 2015 Gillingham player-of-the-year award.

Egan’s father, also named John, was one of Gaelic football’s greatest corner-forwards, playing for the successful Kerry side between 1975 and 1984, helping them win a record-equalling four successive All-Ireland titles.

He died in 2012 having been a huge influence on his son’s life.

“My father is looking down on me and I am happy,” said the 22-year-old Irishman, who won the player-of-the-year trophy.

“It’s a different sport and I will never be as big as him, as he always used to say to me but I lost my father three years ago and he is a big inspiration in my life, along with my mother.

“He would have loved to be there and so there was a tinge of sadness but I know he is looking down on me in every game I play.”

Egan also picked up the away supporters’ player-of-the-year award.

He said: “It was an extremely proud moment for myself and my family. All I wanted to do was to play games. That is the reason I joined Gillingham. The fans have appreciated that."