'Humbled' Chuba Akpom 'just wants to help Middlesbrough reach their targets' after winning December's Championship player of the month award

The striker has been in prolific form since new manager Michael Carrick tweaked his position to play off a targetman and it has certainly been noticed – not only by the Football League judges but also Premier League clubs weighing up a January move.

So Boro fans will probably be pleased to hear the 27-year-old talking about unfinished team business this season.

“I’m grateful and humbled, and it’s amazing to receive the award," he said after four goals in as many games, including a hat-trick against Wigan Athletic. "I just want to be able to carry on my form and help the team reach our targets.

“We’re going well and it’s been a good season so far. But we’ve a lot of football still to play.”

From being under the threat of relegation when Carrick took over in late October, Boro are now in the play-off places.

“I’m delighted for Chuba," said the manager. "He’s been playing really well and I’m sure he’d be the first to acknowledge the role of his team-mates in laying the foundations. Individual awards are always good because overall it means you are doing well as a team.”