Miles Leaburn has been named EA Sports EFL Young Player of the Month for December following a productive festive period for the Charlton Athletic striker.

The 21-year-old scored four times and added two assists to help the Addicks record important victories over Northampton Town, Cambridge United and high-flying Wycombe Wanderers.

It marks a significant landmark in Leaburn’s road to recovery, having spent almost a year on the sidelines with two ankle injuries and a serious hamstring issue.

“Winning this award means the world to me, especially considering I was out for so long,” says the Addicks frontman. “There were physical and mental battles during those months, so to get this and to be in the good form that I’m in, it feels like a reward for all the hard work.”

Leaburn returned to action at the start of October, and having waited 11 league outings for his first goal, he netted in three successive starts, including a double against Wycombe, which ended their 19-game unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One.

And despite appearing to be back to his best, there’s still more to come, according to the man himself.

“I’m in a much better place than I was in my first few games back, but in terms of feeling fully like ‘this is me’, I still think I’ve got more to show.

“Having this year off injured, I tried to build myself physically. Being unable to do anything while I was out, I knew I’d put on a few pounds, so I’ve tried turning that into muscle and develop my strength.

“I feel like I’ve always had all types of finishes in my locker, but now I’m really focusing on my movement in and around the box, and making sure I’m staying on the move instead of standing still.

“I’ve still got a lot more development to do to progress as a player. I don’t really try to compare myself to anyone else too much because everyone’s different. I don’t think there’s many 6ft 6in strikers with a game like mine.”

Rediscovering his pre-injury form has coincided with an upturn in results for Nathan Jones’ side, with the Addicks riding a six-game unbeaten streak in the league.

Currently sitting in 11th position, Leaburn still believes a Play-Off push is in touching distance.

“We want to go on a bit of a run and get that consistency going,” he states. “We’re all really positive and buzzing to try to add to our wins and push towards the promotion positions.

“The pressure will come but we know what’s required of us and when you enjoy playing football and you step out onto the pitch, it all goes away. I just enjoy playing football and playing for Charlton.”