AITOR KARANKA has been nominated for his first manager of the month award after leading Middlesbrough through an unbeaten September.

Boro went between international breaks without a defeat in six matches and five of those arrived last month before starting October with a victory over Fulham at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

Middlesbrough claimed back-to-back away victories at Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City during that run before comprehensively outplaying Brentford on home soil to record a 4-0 win.

The Teessiders, who are now in a top six spot, finished September with consecutive draws with Charlton and Blackpool but only Ipswich Town accumulated more points during that spell.

Mick McCarthy led the Tractor Boys to 13 points from a possible 15, while former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren steered Derby to 11 points. Bob Peeters has also been nominated for securing nine points from the five games, including the draw with Middlesbrough at The Valley.

THE SHORTLIST

Aitor Karanka (Middlesbrough)

Two away wins in four days at Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City set the tone for an unbeaten September which proved that Karanka has added attacking flair to the solid defensive base he established at the Riverside last season.

Mick McCarthy (Ipswich Town)

Built on the twin striking pillars of David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy, as well as solid home form, McCarthy’s side put together an almost perfect month with 13 points from a possible 15 which lifted them into the play-off places.

Steve McClaren (Derby County)

His side re-discovered their attacking mojo in September with a thrilling 3-2 win at Blackburn Rovers as well as comeback draws against Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City. Three wins and two draws brought 11 points from five matches.

Bob Peeters (Charlton Athletic)

Led Charlton through a second successive unbeaten month in spite of a difficult fixture list. He has brought organisation and defensive stability. A 1-0 win at Norwich City was the highlight while just two goals were conceded.