Glentoran defender Gary Smyth is having a great season

Glentoran's Gary Smyth has been named Ulster footballer of the year by an independent panel of local football experts.

In joint second were his Oval team-mates Andy Smyth and Chris Walker with Coleraine's Gareth McAuley next in the ratings.

Central defender Smyth was the unanimous choice of the Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters' Club.

The 33-year-old defender has been in outstanding form as the east Belfast side go for a clean sweep of four domestic trophies.

They have already won the Irish League title, Co Antrim Shield, and CIS Insurance Cup and will face Coleraine on 3 May in the Nationwide Irish Cup final.

Smyth was named Guinness player of the month for February after his all-action display saw him add crucial goals to his defensive repertoire.