SUNDERLAND winger Jack Clarke has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for September.
Clarke's award is reward for a fantastic month that saw him score six goals in five matches, with his dribbling ability and willingness to beat defenders making him a constant menace to opposition defences.
Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray said: “Jack is an outstanding footballer who had a great month in September.
"He’s full of confidence at the moment and I’m delighted for him. His career is on the up and his challenge now is to keep it going.”
Clarke added: “I’m delighted to receive this award, but for me it’s a reflection on how well the team did in September.
"I was fortunate enough to be on the end of some great moves. We have a good understanding as a group and the head coach gives me the freedom to express myself – we’ll try to build on a solid start.”
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Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman, who was part of the judging panel for the award, said: “Jack Clarke continued his dazzling form in September, scoring six goals in five games on a run that saw Sunderland climb into the play-off positions.
"He did so in style too, showcasing delightful footwork and close control in his goals at Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday. The young winger won Sunderland’s Goal of the Season last year, and he already has a couple of contenders for next year’s award.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies, who was also part of the judging panel, said: “Sunderland’s Jack Clarke was in outstanding goalscoring form during September as the winger scored six goals in five games to help the Black Cats climb up to fourth place in the Championship table.
“The 22-year-old is currently the joint top scorer in the division along with (Sammy) Szmodics and (Adam) Armstrong (all on seven). Clarke is a 16-1 chance from 100-1 before a ball was kicked to finish the season as the Championship’s top marksman.”
Mowbray was shortlisted for the Championship Manager of the Month award for September, but was beaten by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.
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