PRESTON North End striker Ricardo Fuller has won an award for being the most outstanding player in the First Division last month.

Fuller has been in devasting form for the club this season and his efforts have been recognised in the Umbro Isotonic player of the month awards, the official awards of the Football League.

After recovering from a knee ligament injury that curtailed much of last season. Fuller scored five goals during December, including a hat-trick in the derby victory against Burnley, to take his tally to 14 for the season and help push North End towards the Division One play off zone.

The judging panel said: "Ricardo Fuller has been a favourite with the North End fans since his arrival in June 2002.

"This season he has been in fantastic form and his goals have helped Preston make a real challenge for the play off places.

"His pace, power and undoubted skill have made him a real handful for defenders and his hat-trick against local rivals Burnley will surely secure his place in North End folklore."

Luton Town goalkeeper Marlon Beresford and Carlisle United striker Andy Preece have won an award for the Second and Third Divisions and Cardiff City striker Peter Thorne won the goalscorer of the month award.

Each player will receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne at a presentation ceremony to be arranged with the clubs.