PRESTON North End striker David Nugent has won the January Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Nugent was in excellent form in January, netting two goals in four games. The highly rated striker began the month by getting on the score-sheet against Derby County and also helped Preston North End overcome a two goal deficit to beat Stoke City at home. The front man's goals have lifted the Lilywhites into the automatic promotion places in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Also short-listed for the January award were Steve Howard of Derby County, Barry Hayles of Plymouth Argyle and Sunderland's David Connolly.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, said: "There was lots of speculation that David Nugent might be leaving Preston last month but it is great for the club that they have been able to hold on to him. His goals in January have helped Paul Simpson's side remain on the heels of leaders Derby and he is sure to have a big part to play their bid to secure an automatic promotion come May."

Enoch Showunmi of Bristol City won the award in League 1 and Michael Nelson of Hartlepool United landed the League 2 accolade.

The Powerade Awards panel, chaired by Sky Sports pundit and Coca-Cola Ambassador Chris Kamara, made the decision. The panel also includes Paul Hetherington, Chairman of the Football Writers' Association and Malcolm Clarke, Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation.