SWINDON Town forward Jacob Wakeling has been shortlisted for the EFL's League Two Player of the Season award.

Wakeling has scored seven goals and claimed five assists in 39 games since agreeing an initial one-year contract - which was quickly improved to a three-and-a-half-year deal - last summer.

Two defensive players made the shortlist alongside Wakeling in League Two – Colchester United’s Junior Tchamadeu and Jayden Sweeney of Leyton Orient.

The former West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City academy player is experiencing his first full season in professional football - having spent a short time on loan at Barrow last term - and has learned plenty already.

After netting four and laying on three other goals in his first 11 outings, Wakeling has gone through a few lean spells either side of his next three strikes.

The energetic 21-year-old also picked up his first professional red card recently after bringing down Kyle Knoyle inside the first minute of a 1-0 defeat to Stockport County at the County Ground.

But despite some difficult times, Wakeling continues to play with enthusiasm and endeavour and is likely to be a key part of any success for Swindon next term.

Wakeling also scooped the League Two Goal of the Month award for February following his audacious effort against Salford City, as he somehow created a chance out nothing, spinning and flicking the ball into the back of The Ammies' net with back to goal.

That strike, scored in the 26th minute of the game, saw Town come from behind to earn a valuable 2-1 win at The Peninsula Stadium.

The Alvechurch-born player follows former Town stars Harry McKirdy and Jojo Wollacott in receiving EFL awards. Both McKirdy and Wollacott were named in the 2021-22 League Two Team of the Season.

Among the handful of other prizes to be handed out by the EFL on Sunday, April 23 at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, ex-Swindon manager Richie Wellens - who is now in charge of Leyton Orient - is up for EFL League Two Manager of the Season.

Wellens is up against Carlisle United's Paul Simpson and Stevenage's Steve Evans.

Up for the League Two Player of the Season are Andy Cook of Bradford City, Sam Hoskins of Northampton Town, and Stevenage captain, Carl Piergianni.