Pair Nominated

Mick McCarthy and Darren Ward have both been nominated for awards by the Football League.

McCarthy for Manager Of The Month for February, and Ward for Player Of The Month.

With four wins and a draw during that time, McCarthy has made a strong case for picking up the prize, whilst fellow nominee Tony Mowbray can each boast a record of 3 wins and 3 draws, Leicester's Rob Kelly 3 wins and two draws, whilst Roy Keane the final name in the hat has a record to match McCarthy's of 4 and 1.

But a modest McCarthy was eager to play up his peers achievements, and play down his own part in the nomination.

'Those teams have had good runs so there are obvious candidates - but the prize should be given to the team really.

'It's nice to be in there with them. It shows we are doing well.' he said.

Stephen Ward earns his nomination partly for his three crucial goals in the last 5 games, and partly for the massive impact he has had on the side since his arrival, a fact McCarthy was quick to acknowledge.

'I can't disagree with Stephen's nomination. The lad has been more than we could have hoped for since he joined us in January. He has worked his socks off and made a big impact on the side.'

Stephen faces competition for the accolade from Carlos Edwards of Sunderland, Paul Henderson of Leicester and Scott Sinclair of Plymouth.

The manager's award will be announced Thursday, 1st March, whilst the Players award will be announced on Sunday, 4th March.

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