Rotherham United striker Michael Smith has been nominated for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award for January.
Having already won the prize back in October, the forward will be hoping to add another personal accolade during what has been an impressive season in front of goal for the 30-year-old.
Enjoying his most prolific season to date, Smith was once again in fine form in front of goal, netting four times to increase his tally for the season to 16.
Also nominated for the award are Morecambe’s Cole Stockton, Dean Lewington of MK Dons and Fleetwood Town winger Paddy Lane.
Paddy Lane (Fleetwood Town) – attacking midfielder
The 20-year-old was unknown when he signed from Hyde United in the summer. League One defences know all about him now. As well as his eighth assist, he scored breath-taking long-range strikes against Plymouth and Cambridge.
Dean Lewington (MK Dons) – central defender
At 37 and in the month he made his 750th EFL appearance, Lewington was given a new role as a fully-fledged central defender in a back four. He adapted seamlessly, playing all seven games and helping MK to concede just three goals.
Michael Smith (Rotherham United) - striker
Rotherham scored five goals in January. Smith headers, whether of the towering or stooping variety, accounted for three of them, a determined run and shot for the fourth, while the fifth was an own goal at Crewe caused by yet another header.
Cole Stockton (Morecambe) - striker
Call him Morecambe’s talisman or battering ram, Stockton continues to lead their fight for League One survival. His four goals and one assist show that while his physicality bullies defenders, his intelligence can also out-smart them.
ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY 11 FEBRUARY 2021
The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.