Owen Dale’s performances in December certainly caught the eye of the judging panel and the former Wolves striker and now pundit, Don Goodman, was full of praise for his finishing in front of goal.

Dale scored four goals in four successive games in the month to take his tally to 5 for the season and see him win the Sky Bet Player of the Month award.

The Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The play of Owen Dale certainly passed the eye test in December, with some sensational efforts clinching this award for the Crewe winger. 

“His stats held up too, with four goals and an assist during the month, but his tremendous overhead kick at Burton is hard to ignore as his crowning moment. A special goal, which he won’t be forgetting in a hurry.”

Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “Sky Bet have been very impressed with Crewe over the last month or so and in particular with the performances Owen Dale has been putting in.

“The Warrington-born attacker scored four goals in six games during December to take his tally to five on the season.

“On the back of Dale’s eye catching performances we have heavily shortened Crewe’s odds for what would be back-to-back promotions at 11/2 from 16/1 at the start of the month.”