Barnsley midfielder Conor Hourihane has picked up August's Championship Player of the Month award after bagging two goals in the opening weeks of the season.

The Irishman also played a key role in the Tykes' 4-0 win over Rotherham United prior to the international break to help his side into third place in the league table.

Two other central midfielders were in contention to win the accolade, with Huddersfield Town loanee Aaron Mooy and Tom Cairney of Fulham in the running, while Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty was also nominated following a string of impressive early-season displays.

Former Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sunderland ace Hourihane was given the nod by the judging panel, though, to round off a successful opening month of the campaign in style.

"It's fantastic to get recognition, especially at Championship level," he said. "We've all had a good start as a team and I hope we can keep it up.

"It's nice to receive an award like this and it just gives me more motivation to try and win another, but I would be just as happy if one of my teammates won one as well."

Hourihane and his Barnsley side face Preston North End at Deepdale on their return to Championship action this weekend.