The Sky Bet Player of the Month winners for February 2018 are in, this has seen on-loan Swansea striker Oli McBurnie scoop the Championship gong.
Sky Bet Championship – Oli McBurnie (Barnsley)
Barnsley striker Oli McBurnie has been named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for February.
The young Scot has made a startling impact at Oakwell, scoring four goals in four starts – all but one of Barnsley`s tally in February. He wants the ball all the time, loves to take on defenders using his trickery and knows how to finish.
Barnsley manager José Morais said: “I think it`s deserved, he`s a young player with an influence on the team. So far he`s been excellent and scored four goals in four games in February which is great for us. I think he`s creating a strong impact in the team and this proves he`s a talent and a young talent too, I totally agree with the award being given to him. It`s an intelligent way for people to show they`re paying attention to the young players in the league when they receive such a good award, so we are thankful for this.”
McBurnie said: “It is the best start I could have asked for on a personal note. Coming out on loan it was about coming down and getting some games and scoring some goals and thankfully this month I have been able to do that and it is a good start and hopefully now I can carry it on.”
“The boys have been a massive help, settling in straight away is a massive part when you come on loan and getting involved.”
Sky Sports` EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “If Barnsley survive in the Sky Bet Championship this season, I wouldn`t be surprised if it was down to the arrival of Oli McBurnie.
“To come in on loan at a team that is really struggling, and are as low on confidence as Barnsley are, and to score four of their five goals in your first month is a really outstanding effort.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Mikey Mumford said: “McBurnie couldn`t have dreamed of a better start to life at Oakwell after his move to the club in the summer was scuppered and only forced through late on January deadline day.
“Barnsley are skinny 4/11 odds to avoid relegation and the young Scot has been responsible for all but one of Barnsley`s goals in February which including an important brace at relegation-threatened Birmingham.
“A Paul Heckingbottom signing, the Swansea loanee looks set to play a pivotal role if new manager Jose Morais keeps them in the Championship.”
Sky Bet League One – Adam Armstrong (Blackburn)
Sky Bet League Two – Richards (Swindon)
The judging panel for the Sky Bet Player of the Month comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan, League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Football Trading Manager Mikey Mumford.
