Aitor Karanka has been named as Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for December, making it the third time in his Boro career that he has won the award.





Karanka was first named the Manager of the Month for January 2015, and he also picked up the award in September 2015 after Boro won all four league games during the month.





The Head Coach masterminded an unbeaten run in the league throughout December, picking up crucial wins over promotion rivals Burnley and Brighton to send Boro top of the league table





"It's a lovely honour to have but I think this a reflection of how well our team is playing at the moment," said Karanka.





"It's an award for everyone here at Middlesbrough, including all the players and coaching staff, and we are very pleased to receive it."





It's a double win for Boro with Adam Clayton also picking up the December award for Player of the Month, and Karanka has heaped praise on his midfielder, saying he is fully deserving of the prize.





"The best example is that Adam Clayton has been named as Player of the Month as well, and he's part of a team that has worked very hard to reach our current position in the table.





"I am really pleased for Adam because he is a player who does not get in the headlines but plays such an important role for our team.





"Adam isn't singled out for praise when our defence is staying tight or when the strikers are scoring goals, but he makes a big contribution to how we play our games. He richly deserves this honour."



