SAM Long has been nominated for Sky Bet League One player of the month.

The Oxford United right back is up against Blackpool defender Dan Ballard, Hull City striker Josh Magennis and Burton Albion midfielder Joe Powell for the April prize.

Long scored three times as he continued his best season at the U's, the highlight coming against Gillingham on April 17.

The 26-year-old struck twice late on, including a stoppage-time winner, as United triumphed 3-2 after going 2-0 down with 18 minutes left.

It capped a dream week for the academy product, who signed a new three-year contract on the Monday and scored in the 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town a day later. 

Long missed the Good Friday defeat at Sunderland, but played in the following six games in April, as the U's picked up 12 points to keep their play-off challenge alive. 

He is on six goals for the season, comfortably his best return at United.