Preston North End midfielder shortlisted for Championship player of the month award

Preston North End midfielder Josh Harrop celebrates his goal against Charlton

The attacking midfielder has made the shortlist for January’s Sky Bet award.

Harrop, 24, scored two superb goals in league action last month and provided an assist for Patrick Bauer.

Although this award covers league form, it should also be noted that Harrop found the net in the FA Cup too.

Josh Harrop is congratulated by PNE team-mates Darnell Fisher and Alan Browne

He started four of Preston’s five games in January, coming on as a sub in the other.

In the FA Cup defeat to Norwich, Harrop netted a late consolation for PNE.

The following week in the local derby at Blackburn, he produced a fine finish from the edge of the box for North End’s equaliser.

Harrop bettered that in the 2-1 victory over Charlton on January 18, cutting inside from the right and curling a left-footed finish into the far top corner.

That goal brought PNE level and he later delivered the corner from which centre-half Bauer headed home for the winner.

In the 3-0 win at Barnsley, it was a shot from Harrop which led to Daniel Johnson scoring.

The nomination for the former Manchester United player from award sponsors Sky Bet said: “In four games, Harrop managed two stunning goals – a sweetly timed volley at Blackburn and a pinpoint curler against Charlton.”

Harrop is up against Michael Hector, Joe Lolley and Nahki Wells for the award.

Fulham defender Hector helped keep three clean sheets for the Cottagers in January.

Lolley managed four goals and an assist for Nottingham Forest, while Wells netted five goals for Queens Park Rangers. Wells has since joined Bristol City after Burnley recalled him from QPR and sold him to the Robins.

The winner of the award will be announced on Friday morning.

Harrop’s fortunes at PNE have improved as the campaign has gone on.

After missing much of last season with a knee injury, he forced his way into the side earlier in the season.

A hamstring strain meant another spell on the sidelines but he has worked his way back into manager Alex Neil’s plans.

His eight goals in league and cup puts him just one behind joint leading scorers Daniel Johnson and Tom Barkhuizen.

Harrop and his Preston team-mates return to action on Saturday when they face Wigan at the DW Stadium in a dinnertime kick-off (12.30pm).

Tickets remain available, priced £20 for adults, £15 for seniors, £10 for under-18s, £5 under-12s and £2 for under-5s.