Derby County forward Tom Ince has been shortlisted for the Sky Bet Championship’s Player of the Month Award for December.
Ince helped Derby to three wins and three draws from their six league games during December.
He featured in all six matches and found the back of the net on five occasions, including a first-ever career hat-trick in the 4-0 home win over Bristol City.
He also scored in the 1-0 win at Ipswich Town and also came off the bench to find the back of the net with a well-taken a late equaliser in Derby’s 2-2 draw at Leeds United.
The shortlist for the December Player of the Month is as follows:
Adam Clayton (Middlesbrough)
The rock in Boro’s midfield, his industry and breaking up of play in front of a defence which did not concede all month was crucial, while his distribution set the team going forward. Outstanding in the wins at Brighton & Hove Albion and Ipswich Town.
Fernando Forestieri (Sheffield Wednesday)
An all-action month for the Italian who terrorised the defences of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City in particular with his pace and direct play. He also managed five goals in six games, including a peach of a curler against Birmingham.
Tom Ince (Derby County)
A hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over Bristol City, the highlight of which was a mazy run and finish, triggered his return to form. Used his pace and trickery to score at Ipswich Town and Leeds United as he made it five goals in the month.
Matt Mills (Nottingham Forest)
Leader of a defence which conceded only four goals in six games, his passion and organisational ability inspired his teammates. A constant threat at corners, he scored two headers, had two more cleared off the line and also hit the bar.
The winner of the Player of the Month Award will be announced on Friday 8th January.
The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Paul Lowery.
