Former St George’s and St Mary’s defender Liam Doyle’s professional career in the United States continues to go from strength to strength.

The 26-year-old’s third season in the American second tier, the United Soccer League, was his best so far culminating with him being named his club’s, Nashville, Defensive player of the Year.

The stats back it up. The 2018 campaign saw him make 32 starts, make 222 clearances (the second most in the USL) and 1,030 successful passes in Nashville’s maiden season.

Reflecting on his time in Tennessee, Doyle said: ’I’ve enjoyed it this year - we’ve played a lot of games in the USL and even more in the cup.

’I’ve just managed to keep my place in the team and stay consistent. I think that’s half the battle. I’ve also managed to stay injury free, which has also been a big help.

’I’ve been more consistent then I have in the past.

’I think previously I would have a few good games then I’d make a mistake and when you make a mistake in defence it usually costs goals. I’ve tried to cut them out.

’As a defender you want to get on the ball and pass as much as possible, but if you keep a clean sheet you feel like you’ve done your job.’

The Ellan Vannin cap added: ’For an expansion team we competed better than expected and had a good run in the Cup beating [MLS side] Colorado.

’We could have finished higher in the league, but I’m sure most teams are saying that.’

Nashville has averaged attendances of more than 9,000 this season and Doyle believes the league is on the up.

’I think the standard of the USL has gone up.

’They’ve restructured and there’s more feeder leagues under it.

’There’s more money coming into it and you can’t get away from the fact that will drive up the standards.

’A players’ union is hopefully going to be coming in shortly, which will grow American soccer together. Obviously the MLS is the main league, but it would be good to have a second league that is right behind it in standard.’

Nashville will join David Beckham’s Miami as the Major League Soccer adds two more teams to its number in 2020.

Doyle hopes another good campaign in the heart of the Music City side’s backline will secure him a place in the squad as it makes its top-flight debut. Doyle added: ’That would be the hope and the aim for sure.’

Before that though Doyle has another season in the USL to look forward and he believes a Nashville side that has been active in the transfer window will be challenging for silverware: ’The players coming in are going to make us stronger, so obviously it’s up to me to play well and stay in the side.

’Competition keeps you on your toes.

’If you look at the players we’ve signed and the fact we’ll probably add a few more we should be challenging to win the USL.

’Hopefully we can have another run in the Open Cup because that’s always good when you come across MLS teams.

’There was a stage last season when we looked as if we could challenge, but it didn’t quite happen.’

Doyle concluded with some advice for any aspiring pros: ’There’s no doubt it’s hard to get off the island and play pro. You’ve got to keep trying though if it’s something you want.

’I turned professional at 23, which is very late.

’There’s lots of routes you can go down to making it. Myerscough College is a fantastic route and one that a few Manx lads have gone down now. America is another route.

’You need to put the work in that other people aren’t.

’You’re going to get knock backs and people saying you’re not good enough, but I think if you believe and your family believe in your ability there’s no reason why you can’t make it.’

l Listen to the whole interview with Liam at audioboom.com/channel/manxfootball