Dundalk midfielder Tom Miller has hailed Ian Foster as a "fantastic manager" and says that his "winning mentality" is a key reason why the Lilywhites are enjoying a clear lead at the top of the Premier Division table for the first time in 15 years.

Dundalk head into a crunch clash with second-placed Saint Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park this Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm). Foster masterminded a first home league win over Shamrock Rovers since 1996 on Monday night, adding to an already long list of hoodoos that the former Liverpool trainee has broken this term, to see his side return to the summit.

And Miller, who won the Supporters' Player of the Month award for April, has heaped praise on his manager, who he also thanked for bringing him to Ireland.

"The Gaffer has done a brilliant job, I feel," said Miller. "Ian has given me an opportunity here and I appreciate that a lot. He's a good manager and he has a great winning mentality. He wants to do well. He pushes us all the way and he doesn't accept second best - he's a fantastic manager.

"I'd like to thank the Gaffer mainly for the opportunity that he has given me. I'm really enjoying my time here in Ireland. I'm getting regular first-team football, I'm enjoying it and we're winning. It's proven to be a good decision by me to come here rather than going to the lower leagues in the UK.

"For me to find my feet in professional football, I think it's been brilliant, and it's something that I'll remember for the rest of my career, if I have one! I've enjoyed it a lot."