League 1 POTM: January Nomination (Trotta)

The January nominations for the Sky Bet League 1 Player of the Month Award are:

Nicky Ajose (Peterborough United) – striker
Five goals in as many January games for the young forward on his return to the club. His sharpness around the box brought him a hat-trick in the 4-3 win over against Notts County which included a superb swerving 25-yarder.

Scott Cuthbert (Leyton Orient) – central defender
Commanding in the air and strong in the tackle, the club captain was forced to cover at right-back. He adapted smoothly and proved a threat in the air from set pieces with goals in the wins over Shrewsbury Town and Carlisle United.

James Tavernier (Rotherham United) – full-back
The on-loan defender proved his versatility at both right-back and left-back. Nimble and solid defensively, he breaks forward quickly at every opportunity. He set up two goals in the 3-0 win at Shrewsbury Town, scoring the other himself.

Marcello Trotta (Brentford) – striker
Has shown remarkable character after his final-day penalty miss last season. With three goals (including a penalty) and two assists, he was equally impressive for his all-round contribution as well as closing down from the front.

ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7 2014

The judging panel comprises 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.