Senan Kilbride says John Evans' appointment as Roscommon manager, coupled with the emergence of exciting new talent, has rejuvenated him as a footballer.

Speaking after he was presented with the GAA/GPA Opel Player of the Month award for April yesterday, the experienced St. Brigid's clubman admitted: "I was kind of going through the motions a bit a couple of years ago.

"I thought I was giving everything, but then in the last couple of years there has been a great set-up with John Evans and the management team.

"They are expecting higher standards of every player and the young lads coming through - they are winners. They have been winning all the way through underage. the pace and power they have, and the enthusiasm they bring to training...

"It has driven on a good few lads and it has pushed us. Competition is very high now and it's very difficult to make the team. I'm sure it will be difficult for John and the boys to pick the team so they definitely have made a big impact on the training and the standards."

Kilbride doesn't believe Evans' suggestion that the rapid-improving Rossies can win the Sam Maguire in the next few years is unrealistic.

"I'm sure it surprised supporters and everyone else because all year he's been saying we're not ready, we're not ready," the full forward continued.

"Yeah, he's putting that message out a good bit. But inside the dressing-room he's very positive about our chances of progressing this year and over the next couple of years into a very competitive team in the All-Ireland.

"He has that aspiration for us and it's great. He knows what it takes to win, coming from Kerry. He sees the talent that is here in Roscommon and he believes that we have the talent and commitment to make it to that All-Ireland. That is the dream. Hopefully we can fulfil it at some stage."

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