Derby County striker David McGoldrick has been named as the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for February.
McGoldrick, in his first season with the club after signing from Sheffield United last summer, has claimed the award after playing a huge role for the Rams during the second month of the year.
Derby's number 10 started all six fixtures throughout February and found the net six times, including a hat-trick, his third of the season, in the 5-0 defeat of Morecambe at Pride Park Stadium at the start of February.
He was also on target in the home wins over Charlton Athletic and Cheltenham Town, while the 35-year-old also notched three assists across the 28 days and won the penalty that James Collins dispatched in the win over the Shrimps.
The Rams' striker, who has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term, saw off stiff competition for the honour after he was put up against Shrewsbury Town defender Chey Dunkley, Ricardo Santos of Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley full-back Jordan Williams.
The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.
McGoldrick said: "I last got the League One Player of the Month when I was at Coventry City on loan - time flies. It's definitely good
to get it."
Derby Head Coach Paul Warne said: “Didzy's overall play has been excellent this season. He makes us a better team when he’s out on the pitch and that has been reflected with the impact he’s had.
“He's a great guy, an experienced professional, and he wants the team to do well. He plays an important role for our younger players too, both on and off the pitch, in how he conducts himself.
“He’s been essential for us over the course of the season and he had an excellent February on a personal basis, contributing with an impressive goals return and a number of assists.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Goodman said: “David McGoldrick was the exceptional candidate in League One this month, with his output for Derby County through the roof.
“The striker had a phenomenal run of form, smashing six goals along with a trio of assists.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Davies said: “Only Jonson Clarke-Harris has scored more goals in League One this season than Derby striker David McGoldrick, whose sixteen goals for the Rams has kept them in the hunt for promotion to the Championship.
“Derby are 9/4 to go straight back up and there’s no doubt McGoldrick’s goals will play a huge role for them as we enter the final part of the season.
“After finding the net six times in February, including his third hat-trick of the season we have cut the former Ireland international from 22/1 at the start of the month into 11/2 second- favourite now behind Clarke-Harris to finish the season as top scorer.”
