IPSWICH striker Marcus Bent was today crowned Barclaycard Premiership Player of the Month for January.The accolade came courtesy of an awards panel comprising representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH striker Marcus Bent was today crowned Barclaycard Premiership Player of the Month for January.

The accolade came courtesy of an awards panel comprising representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.

And a delighted Bent, whose goals have helped Town climb off the bottom of the table, immediately dedicated the award to his Portman Road team-mates.

Bent, a £3 million buy from Blackburn, said: "I had a good month but it's all about the lads pulling together in the same direction and fighting for one another."

The 23-year-old has netted seven goals for in-form Ipswich, all of them coming in his last nine outings.

The awards panel said: "It's no coincidence that Ipswich's change in form has followed him signing for them. His speed, pace and eye for goal have tormented some of the Premiership's best defences.'

Southampton boss Gordon Strachan was named Manager of the Month after steering the Saints out of the Premiership drop zone.