The shortlist for the Checkatrade Trophy Player of the Round following the conclusion of the group stages has been revealed, giving fans the chance to vote for their chosen player...
The competition gives fans the opportunity to vote for the player they feel starred in each round of the competition.
An independent football expert selects five worthy players that make up the shortlist for each round and supporters have the chance to vote for the final two.
The two players with the most votes will then be considered by a judging panel consisting of representatives from the EFL, before the overall winner is revealed.
Every fan who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with one lucky supporter getting the chance to present the Checkatrade Trophy Player of the Round award to the winning player and win tickets to the final of the competition at Wembley in April.
The Checkatrade Trophy Player of the Round shortlist for the Group Stages is as follows:
Ade Azeez (Cambridge United)
The livewire striker has taken a shine to the Checkatrade Trophy with five goals in three group games, which included a hat-trick against Southampton. The pick of his goals was a thoughtful and precise lob from an acute angle in the 3-1 win over Colchester.
Calum Butcher (Mansfield Town)
The constant force as his side went through to the knockout stages with a 100% record. The attacking midfielder was superb against Checkatrade Trophy holders Lincoln City, scoring one and setting up the other. Also scored in the 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe.
Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion U21s))
Scoring in every game of the group stage, including a neat hat-trick against MK Dons, the Irish teenager forced his way into Brighton manager Chris Hughton’s thoughts with an invite to travel with the first team to Cardiff for their last Premier League fixture.
Luke Matheson (Rochdale)
‘Man of the Match’ might be a misnomer given that Matheson was just 15 when he starred at right-back as an early substitute against Bury. He turned 16 before the games against Fleetwood and Leicester, but still had to go to school the next day both times.
Dara O’Shea (Exeter City)
The assured 19-year-old exuded calmness and belief to remind Exeter manager Matt Taylor of his defensive prowess. Superb against Bristol Rovers and West Ham, O’Shea was the dominant figure at the back as Exeter progressed without conceding a goal in three games.
Toby Stevenson (Charlton Athletic)
A first team debut for the ages. The 18-year-old wing-back scored a hat-trick and could have had more in Charlton’s 8-0 romp at Stevenage. Galloping forward at every opportunity, the left-footer even curled home a beauty with his right into the top corner.
TO VOTE FOR YOUR CHECKATRADE PLAYER OF THE ROUND - CLICK HERE