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Boro head coach Aitor Karanka and forward Lee Tomlin have been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager and Player of the Month for January.

Karanka guided Boro to three league wins and a draw in the Championship last month, as well as masterminding FA Cup victories at Barnsley and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Tomlin scored three goals in four league matches in January, with the first of his brace against Huddersfield ending Boro's four-hour Championship hoodoo in front of goal.

Former Ipswich manager George Burley chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel, and heaped praise on Karanka's recent performance.

"Aitor Karanka has really made his mark on the Boro team", Burley said.

“They are solid at the back and play open, creative football. Middlesbrough are looking strong contenders for automatic promotion.”

Sky Sports’ Football League pundit Don Goodman was also involved in the judging and also had plenty of nice things to say about Boro's award-winning duo.

“Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid is starting to step out of his mentor’s shadow, bringing exciting football and an impressive string of results to The Riverside," Goodman said.

“Karanka’s meticulous preparation allows him to get the best out of his squad and an automatic promotion place is a real possibility for Boro.

"Middlesbrough’s creative hub Tomlin has been vital in their ascent to the top of the Sky Bet Championship.

“Playing alongside Patrick Bamford and Kike, Tomlin added goals to his game in an impressive January.”

Boro enjoyed a remarkable month, conceding only one goal in six matches and climbing to within one point of the Championship summit.

The FA Cup victory at Premier League champions Man City also caught the eye, with Tomlin at the fore, and Boro now have a fifth round tie at Arsenal to look forward to later this month.

(Image: © CameraSport)

After learning of Tomlin's individual award, Karanka was quick to credit the ex-Peterborough man who has hit a purple patch since missing December's win over Derby with a minor niggle.

"I told Lee one year ago that he is a very good player. He's shown everyone what he is capable of," Karanka said.

"When he has the ball something can happen. He is an important player for us.

"We don't think of these as individual awards. The most important thing is the team and its for all the club and all our squad."

The last time a Boro player won the Player of the Month accolade was in September 2011. Matthew Bates was part of a double in that month with Tony Mowbray claiming the manager's award.

Karanka's accolade is his first in English football since arriving at the Riverside in November 2013, but he has been nominated for the gong twice before this season in September and December 2013.

However, the Boro boss lost out to Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy and Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe respectively.

Click here to watch delighted Boro fans talking about the awards