Drinkwater Wins Player Of The Month

Drinkwater, 23, was in outstanding form during the festive period, starting every one of the Foxes’ six league games during December and producing a string of superb individual performances.

The driving force in City’s midfield, he provided a man-of-the-match display in the crucial 1-0 win at Queens Park Rangers and scored the opening goal the final game of 2013 – a sensational 5-3 win over Bolton Wanderers at King Power Stadium.

City manager Nigel Pearson said: “It’s an excellent individual accolade for Danny, just as it was for Lloyd Dyer when he was nominated for the award last month.

“Danny’s been an important player for us this season and played a lot of football during December, so it says a lot about him that he has been able to maintain such high standards.

“I’m sure he would be the first to recognise that personal recognition such as this is a reflection of the work of his team mates around him. It’s been a very good spell for the whole squad.”

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman said: “Danny’s man-of-the-match performance in the 1-0 away win at title rivals QPR typified his commitment, determination and class.

“Leicester will need to keep him fit and at the top of his game to maintain their place at the top of the Sky Bet Championship, the challenge is only just beginning!”

Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins said: “Danny has been an integral part of the Foxes’ table topping form.

“Nigel Pearson will be looking for the former Manchester United player to keep the form he has shown if Leicester are to grace the Premier League again.”

Danny topped the vote among a judging panel comprising Sky Sports Football League expert Don Goodman; Football League Head of Communications John Nagle; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet Head of Football Paul Wiggins. Derby’s Craig Bryson, Burnley’s Kieran Trippier and Sheffield Wednesday’s Connor Wickham were also nominated.

The Sky Bet League 1 Player of the Month Award went to Brentford midfielder Sam Saunders, while Scunthorpe United’s Deon Burton picked up the award for Sky Bet League 2.

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