JORDAN Rhodes’ superb form has been recognised after the Blackburn Rovers star was nominated for the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award.

The striker scored five goals in four games in September as Rovers recovered from their harsh defeat at Fulham to pick up excellent points at QPR and Hull City and record a first win of the season at home to Charlton Athletic.

Rhodes opened his account for the campaign from the penalty spot in the 2-1 loss to Fulham before netting a superb solo effort in the 2-2 draw against QPR.

He followed up that with a predatory brace in the 3-0 victory over Charlton and an injury-time equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Hull.

Rhodes, who continued his hot streak by scoring twice in Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Ipswich Town, will be up against Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala, Huddersfield Town midfielder Emyr Huws and Reading’s former Rovers striker Nick Blackman for the award.

New Rovers midfielder Hope Akpan admits he did not realise just how good the Scotland international was until he started playing alongside him.

Akpan, a summer signing from Reading, said after the Hull draw: “I’ve come to realise now that those chances get put away.

“He’s vital for the team, especially in tight games like that when there are few half-chances created.

“His record is phenomenal. Anything that lands to him in the box, you just think, ‘it’s a goal’.

“Those players are few and far between these days; you don’t get many out-and-out poachers and finishers, so we’re very grateful to have him.”

After recovering from a knock Rhodes yesterday trained at Hampden Park alongside his Scotland team-mates, including Rovers captain Grant Hanley, ahead of their crucial Euro 2016 qualifier with Poland tonight.

Meanwhile, Reading’s Steve Clarke, Derby County’s Paul Clement, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Chris Hughton, and Middlesbrough’s Aitor Karanka have been nominated for the Sky Bet Championship manager of the month award for September.

The winners of the manager and player awards will be announced at 6am tomorrow.