A KEIGHLEY-born professional footballer missed out on a prestigious player of the month prize.

Matty Pearson, 25, who plays for Luton Town, was featured on the shortlist for the EFL League One player of the month award for December.

Defender Pearson faced tough opposition for the honour from Doncaster Rovers' John Marquis, Portsmouth’s Ronan Curtis and Peterborough United’s Ivan Toney.

And it was hitman Toney who took the division's player honour for his display, including firing a hat-trick against Bradford City in their FA Cup second round replay at Valley Parade last month.

But there was better luck for Pearson's former club boss Nathan Jones, who took the League One manager of the month accolade. Jones collected the award two days after he had left the Kenilworth Road club to join Stoke City of the Championship.

The judging panel comprised of Sky Sports’ EFL commentator Don Goodman, League Managers’ Association director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL trader Mikey Mumford.