Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke set to battle Hull City, Oxford United and Rochdale aces for League One's player of the month

The Sunderland striker netted five times in the opening month of the year as he emerged as a contender for the division’s golden boot.

Wyke netted five times during the month, with his strikes including a well-taken hat-trick in the 3-0 win at AFC Wimbledon.

And the forward’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed, with an EFL panel shortlisting the 28-year-old for the player of the month trophy.

Explaining the striker’s nomination, the panel said: “Five goals in seven games for Wyke – and game-defining ones, too. His hat-trick at Wimbledon, a header against Shrewsbury and a sweetly-timed volley at Ipswich accounted for every Sunderland goal in their January victories.”

Wyke has been nominated alongside Rochdale’s Matty Lund, Josh Ruffels of Oxford United and former Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman.

The winner will be announced on Friday, February 12.

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