Vaz dazzles

Ricardo Vaz Te has been named as the nPower Championship Player of the Month for April 2012.

The 25-year-old Portuguese forward, who signed for West Ham in January scored six goals in just six appearances for the Hammers including a hat-trick against Brighton during the month.

Sam Allardyce, who was shortlisted for the Manager of the Month award but lost out to Millwall's Kenny Jackett, said of his recent signing: "I'm delighted for Ricardo.

"He's had a massive impact since he arrived at the club and the goals he scored throughout the month of April were key to us remaining unbeaten. It is a very well deserved award and we hope that he can now continue his run of form."

Peter Beagrie, one of the memebrs of the adjudicating panel added: ""Ricardo has been an outstanding success since his transfer from Barnsley in January. He's adjusted to his new club brilliantly and has proved to be a real threat in the air and on the ground.

"He could have a massive impact on the Hammers' promotion pursuit."

Vaz Te was one of three players nominated for the award alongside Adam Le Fondre of Reading and Millwall goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

In addition to former Bradford striker Beagrie, Football League Head of Communications John Nagle, BBC Sport's Mark Clemmit and npower Head of Sponsorship Emma Collins comprise the four-strong judging panel.

April, come he will: six in six

6th April: Barnsley 0-4 West Ham Utd (1 goal)
9th April: West Ham Utd 3-3 Birmingham City (2 goals)
14th April: West Ham Utd 6-0 Brighton & HA (3 goals)
17th April: Bristol City 1-1 West Ham Utd
23rd April: Leicester City 1-2 West Ham Utd
28th April: West Ham Utd 2-1 Hull City 1