Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff wins April Premier League award

Sunderland midfielder Jan Kirchhoff has been named the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for April in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old, who moved to the Stadium of Light in January from Bayern Munich, played 420 minutes out of a possible 450 in the holding-midfield role as Sunderland kept three clean sheets in six matches to help their hopes of escaping the drop.

The German said: "I would like to thank the supporters, who have been unbelievable since I arrived at Sunderland - they are simply amazing. Also my thanks go to my teammates, without them it would not have been possible to win this award.

"This is a very special football club and I am honoured to accept the award on behalf of everyone."

Kirchhoff saw off competition from Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge to win the award.