United striker James Beattie has won the April Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Beattie was in terrific goal-scoring form in April, beginning the month in style with a hat trick at home to Leicester City before his late equaliser at the Lane earned a point in the Sheffield derby.

He was also on the score sheet in the away win over Burnley before netting once more against in form Hull City. His six goals in five games helped the Blades to four wins from five games and ensured he ended the season amongst the leading goal-scorers in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Also short-listed were Ian Ashbee of Hull City, Glenn Whelan of Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion's Zoltan Gera.

Dougie Freedman of Leeds United (on loan from Crystal Palace) won the award in League 1 and Aaron Wilbraham of Milton Keynes Dons landed the League 2 accolade.

The Powerade Awards panel, chaired by Sky Sports pundit and Coca-Cola Ambassador Chris Kamara, made the decision.

The panel also includes Paul Hetherington, Chairman of the Football Writers' Association, Malcolm Clarke, Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation and James Williams, Head of Brand Experience, Coca-Cola Great Britain.