Dan Neil has been named EFL Young Player of the Month for December.
The Academy of Light graduate has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough campaign on Wearside, scoring three goals and registering eight assists in 32 senior appearances.
An England Under-20 international, Neil collects the award after overcoming competition from players across the EFL, including the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two.
The 20-year-old played a starring role as the Lads went unbeaten in the league during December and he impressed against Premier League opposition when the Lads faced Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter finals.
Previous recipients of the accolade include Harry Maguire, Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Dele Alli, Wilfried Zaha and Tammy Abraham.
After collecting the award, Neil said: “There are a lot of talented young players throughout the EFL, so to be recognised as one of the better ones during December is a proud achievement. A lot of players have made the step from the EFL to the Premier League and many of them have won a Young Player of the Month award early in their careers. That’s the goal for us at Sunderland, to get up the divisions as fast as possible, so hopefully I can help us do that by winning these types of awards and continuing to play as I have.”