Matt Crooks is delighted to be in the running for League Two Player of the Month – but insists that it has been a team effort.

The midfielder is nominated along with manager John Coleman for the monthly prizes after the Reds won four games in a row in September.

And Crooks is pleased with the way he’s been playing so far.

“It’s a big difference from last season,” said the 21-year-old. “I’m really enjoying my football here, playing all the time and playing slightly better than I did last season. The team is winning more, we’re getting more points on the board and it’s all good.

“It’s nice to be nominated for an individual award but it’s all about the team really. You won’t get nominated for any awards if the team isn’t playing well. The whole team deserves credit for how we’ve been playing.

“In pre-season we knew that we had a good squad and a good team and I think we’ve shown that when it comes down to it, in the actual season, we can show that as well.”

The winners will be announced on Friday but Crooks will have his eyes on other matters as Stanley look to get back to winning ways after defeat to Oxford at the weekend.

“Our focus is Barnet and three points up for grabs,” he explained. “It’d be nice to win but if I don’t it’s not something to be disappointed about. It’s great to be nominated and a great compliment but come Saturday it’ll make no difference and I’ll just want to win the game.”