CONNOR Mahoney has capped off his “most enjoyable” season by being crowned Birmingham City’s young player of the year.

The Cherries winger has been on loan with the Blues in the Championship and helped them to a 17th-placed finish, despite being handed a nine-point deduction.

Mahoney, 22, started the season as a substitute but after finally making his first league start in October, went on to become a regular fixture in Garry Monk’s side.

He ended the campaign with two goals from 32 appearances in all competitions.

Mahoney said: “I’m honoured to win this award to cap off a memorable season for myself.

“It’s been a pleasure, the most enjoyable one yet.

“Thank you to the staff, lads and more importantly the fans. Glad the club is back on the way up and can’t wait to see what will happen next season.

“Once a blue, always a blue.”

Mahoney recently stated he would be “really happy” to return to Birmingham on loan again next season, should that be the wish of Eddie Howe.

The former Blackburn Rovers man has made two appearances for Cherries since moving to the south coast in 2017, both in the FA Cup.