BLACKBURN Rovers’ striker Rudy Gestede has warned he is yet to hit top form – despite winning the Championship player of the month award.

The talismanic targetman, who hit six goals in six starts in April, believes there is more to come.

He said: “I am very happy to win the award,” said Gestede, who saw off competition from Burnley captain Jason Shackell, Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Adam Bogdan and Millwall midfielder Nicky Bailey to net the prize.

“We have finished very well as a team this season and personally as well with a few goals.

“I would say I am scoring more goals than I ever have but I would not say I am playing my best football because I’m not very happy with some things I’ve done during the games.

“Yes I am happy with what I’ve done but I can improve.

“I know my game and how I play and I know I can improve – and that is what I am trying to do every day.”

Gestede has notched 11 goals in 27 appearances since initially signing on loan from Cardiff City in November.

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The 6ft 4in frontman, who completed a £300,000 permanent move from the Bluebirds in January, has never scored more in a season.

And he puts that down to the togetherness he feels with his fellow players and the supporters who chant his name.

“When you feel good outside the pitch it shows on the pitch,” said Gestede, who will lead the Rovers line in their final match of the campaign at home to Wigan Athletic tomorrow (12.15pm).

“I can be free on the pitch because everybody in the team and in the staff is behind me.

“The fans like me and help me too. They help you a lot on the pitch as when you start to get frustrated or angry because of something, you know they are behind you and they push you to keep battling in the game and be focused. I thank them for this.”

Gestede is also full of praise for the role Rovers boss Gary Bowyer and his coaching team have played in his development into the Championship’s most in-form forward.

“The manager helps a lot,” said the 25-year-old Benin international.

“He tries to keep this fighting spirit and working as a team. Football is not an individual sport so you need to work as a team every time you are on the pitch.

“He tries to keep this in mind and we really enjoy what we do in the training camp and in games.

“We are very happy with what he and his staff are doing.”