Kitson scoops player award

Dave Kitson has been named Championship Player of the Month for December.

Reading's hot-shot striker Dave Kitson has been named Championship Player of the Month for December, while Michael McIndoe of Doncaster and Northampton's Scott McGleish claimed the awards in League One and League Two respectively.

Kitson beat off competition from James O'Connor of Burnley, Dean Ashton of Norwich and Watford's Marlon King to claim the award after scoring five times in as many games during December.

A stunning hat-trick against Brighton was a notable contribution to the extension of Reading's club record unbeaten run at the top of the table, explained chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel Chris Kamara.

"Kitson's goal record this season has been phenomenal and is one of the main reasons why Reading have beaten almost all before them this season," said Kamara.

McIndoe beat off competition from Paul Hayes of Barnsley, Kevin O'Connor of Brentford and Colchester's Chris Iwelumo to claim the League One honours.

"His manager must be delighted with his form and he is sure to play a big role in Doncaster's push for a play-off place," said Kamara.

McGleish was given the League Two nod ahead of Bristol Rovers' Scott Shearer, Chris Lumsdon of Carlisle and Grimsby's Steve Jones after claiming matchwinners in the matches against Shrewsbury and former club Barnet.

"McGleish has been on an incredible run of goalscoring form over the past few weeks, averaging a goal-a-game in December," said Kamara.