Aiden is PNE's prize guy

Aiden McGeady has been named the Championship's player of the month for February

The Everton loanee is the Championship’s player of the month for February after three goals and four assists helped the Lilywhites go through four weeks unbeaten.

Boss Simon Grayson missed out on the managerial award to Huddersfield’s David Wagner but McGeady’s performances could not be  ignored as he hit top form.

“It’s a great honour to be recognised for your form but personal accolades are just a bonus,” said the 31-year-old.

“The main thing is that the team has been doing well  recently aside from the  Fulham game.

“It’s been a good season so far and the play-offs are within sight.”

The Republic of Ireland  international had only been on target once before the start of the month but scored score twice in the win over Brentford and also in the  victory over QPR, showing his penchant for the spectacular along the way.

“I’m not a natural goalscorer but I like to chip in,” said McGeady.

“When I was at Celtic and when I was in Russia I’d get my fair share of goals from  midfield.

“The manager gives me the licence to express myself and as a creative player that’s all you can really ask for.”

McGeady’s form means there is only one thing on the mind of PNE fans – whether he will be staying at the club beyond the end of his season-long loan.

“The main obstacle is going to be Everton and what they say to me in the summer,” said former Celtic and  Spartak Moscow man.

“I’m guessing they probably want me to leave but I don’t know if they’ll sell me or what.

“I’d like to stay if everything can be sorted.

“The last couple of years I’d forgotten what it was like to be a footballer.

“I’m enjoying training  during the week and looking forward to Saturday. It’s bringing the best out of me.”

An impressive February set up a big week for PNE, Grayson’s side bouncing back with a 1-1 draw at Derby on Tuesday night after losing 3-1 to Fulham.

The third game in seven days against clubs hoping to make the top six comes at Deepdale this Saturday with fifth in the table Reading in town.

“Nine points is a big gap to make up but it can swing and change very quickly with 10 games to go,” said McGeady with North End ninth in the Championship.

“We go into the game wanting to win and doing  everything we can to win but I wouldn’t say it’s ‘must-win’.

“I don’t think we’re  thinking that way.”