SANTA CRUZ PRESENTED WITH FIRST AWARD
Blackburn Rovers striker wins Barclays gong for December
Roque Santa Cruz has claimed his first award in English football after being voted the Barclays Player of the Month for December. In what was a mixed month for Blackburn Rovers, Santa Cruz shone as he scored six goals in six Barclays Premier League appearances during the month.
The 26-year-old became the first player in over 10 years to score a Barclays Premier League hat-trick in a losing cause as Blackburn Rovers were defeated in an eight-goal thriller at Wigan Athletic (5-3).
Santa Cruz continued his goalscoring form with a brace in a draw at Eastlands which ended Manchester City's 100% home league record (2-2), before scoring in the win against Derby County at Pride Park (2-1).
The Paraguayan international becomes the first Blackburn Rovers player since Chris Sutton a decade ago to win the Barclays Player of the Month award, as he took his goalscoring tally to 10 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League appearances this season.
The decision was made by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.