Dejan Lovren was delighted to collect the Standard Chartered Player of the Month award today after fans voted the defender as Liverpool's star performer during December.

The 26-year-old started six of the team’s seven games in that period and helped the Reds record three clean sheets with a series of commanding displays at centre-back.

A memorable 6-1 triumph at former club Southampton kicked off the month in style as Jürgen Klopp’s men booked a place in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.

Lovren sustained what was feared to be a serious injury in the Anfield draw with West Bromwich Albion, but battled back to return on Boxing Day as fitness issues among the squad piled up.

And the No.6 played his part in ensuring Liverpool ended 2015 on a positive note, chalking up successive shut-outs as Leicester City and Sunderland were beaten 1-0.

He therefore saw off competition from Christian Benteke, Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi to receive the most votes from supporters in our online poll to decide the prize.

Upon receiving the award at Melwood, Lovren told Liverpoolfc.com: “Thank you – it’s a great honour to win this. I worked hard in the last couple of months.

“It’s a great award but the most important thing is the team. I try to give my best on the pitch and I’m happy to see that the fans voted for me. I need to continue like this; hopefully I will be back on the pitch soon and doing my job again.

“It’s a great pleasure to work with the new manager and it has given me confidence. I think that’s the biggest reason why I’m in form and I want to continue like that and show everyone I’m a good player and deserve to be here.

“The most important thing for me and the team is consistency – that’s the main job we need to concentrate on.

“When I had the knee injury against West Brom, I didn’t expect I would be back so quickly but my body was healing very fast. I know what the manager expects from me and the team, and I’m giving my best. I just need to continue and hopefully I’ll be back on the pitch soon.”