Tom Eastman’s nomination for the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award for January is a “great accolade” for the defender.

That’s the view of Colchester United boss Tony Humes, who believes his centre-back fully deserves his recognition for his consistent performances.

Eastman will be up against new Spurs signing Dele Alli, who has now returned to MK Dons on loan, to win the Sky Bet award.

Doncaster Rovers defender Andy Butler and Tom Hopper of Scunthorpe United are also in the running to win the prize.

Humes said: “Tom’s been very solid and it’s a great accolade for him that he’s been nominated for this award.

“He’s played every game this season and it was pretty much the same last season, too.

“He still needs to work on certain areas on his game but he’s a very consistent and talented player.

“He’s only 23 and he’s still learning a lot but he’s been the one constant in our back four, all season.

“We have to make sure that we look after him.”

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