On-loan Sunderland striker Connor Wickham nominated for Championship award

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has been nominated for December's Championship Player of the Month because of his performances while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

The 20-year-old is joined by Derby County's Craig Bryson, Danny Drinkwater of Leicester City and Burnley right-back Kieran Trippier in being nominated.

Wickham scored four goals in the four games that he played in December, including a match-winning brace against high-flying Leicester City and free-kick winner against Watford.

Bryson was a goalscoring force from midfield as Derby notched an almost-perfect 19 out of 21 points in a jam-packed month. The Scottish midfielder found the net five times as Derby closed in on the summit.

Drinkwater was ever-present in midfield as Leicester went top of the table. The former Manchester United midfielder also opening the scoring in the eight-goal thriller against Bolton Wanderers.

Lastly, Clarets full-back Trippier continued his excellent season both at the back and going forward for promotion-chasing Burnley. As well as helping keep three clean sheets, Trippier also laid on two assists and is now joint-top of the assist charts.

The winner will be announced on Friday.