Tony Mowbray believes Adam Armstrong has ‘come to the party’ in the last month after being nominated for the Championship player of the month prize.

Armstrong scored twice and claimed four assists during January which meant he is one of four players shortlisted for the award.

Mowbray, who himself has been nominated for the manager prize, says it is just rewards for all of the 21-year-old’s hard work since joining last summer.

Armstrong scored in wins over Millwall and Hull City, as well as the FA Cup replay with boyhood club Newcastle, in a fine personal month.

The £1.75m fee paid for Armstrong last month looks increasingly like a bargain, and Mowbray is delighted with his forward’s contribution.

“Over the last three or four weeks Armstrong has come to the party and added goals and assists,” Mowbray said.

“If you break down the last five games Adam has been at the forefront of either scoring or making the goals.

“It’s great for him because of the work he puts in, even if there are no rewards at the end of it regarding a goal.

“I think he’s worked extremely hard since he walked in to the building. He’s only a young guy, but I’m so pleased he’s getting his rewards at the moment.”

It is a second nomination in 12 months for Armstrong, winner of the League One player of the month prize in February last year.

Armstrong’s impressive run of form in January means he now has eight goals in 32 games, one fewer than he managed during a loan spell in the second half of last season.

He will be itching to reach double figures this time, having moved joint-third in the club’s goalscoring charts behind Bradley Dack and Danny Graham.

“I’ve been impressed since he came, I just think he has added goals,” Mowbray said.

“I’m delighted for him because he’s worked so hard and for long spells it seemed like only Dack and Graham were scoring and (Charlie) Mulgrew was chipping in with the odd free kick and penalty.”