A return of six goals in five December outings has seen Ipswich Town striker Daryl Murphy included on the shortlist for the Championship's Player of the Month award.
Most impressively, the Irishman scored braces in victories over Leeds United and Brentford.
Also in contention for the accolade is Bournemouth's Harry Arter, who scored five goals from midfield.
The shortlist is completed by Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Andy Lonergan and Norwich City midfielder Bradley Johnson.