READING FC striker Yann Kermorgant has been crowned Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for April.

The in-form striker has rolled back the years after notching his 17th league goal of the season in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wigan.

And the Frenchman enjoyed a particularly productive April with seven goals in as many games including another winner against Leeds United.

The 35-year-old, who announced he will retire from football next year to become a banker, pipped Burton Albion defender John Brayford, Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen and Brighton's former Royals loan striker Glenn Murray to the honour.

Reading Chronicle:

Yann Kermorgant celebrates his winning goal against Leeds United on April 1.

Reading manager Jaap Stam said: “Yann has been a great personality and a great player for us this season.

"You’re never too old to improve and become an even better player and Yann has got a great mentality.

“Yann has been very important for us throughout the season - even when he wasn’t scoring in every game. He holds the ball up the field, gets other players into a position so they can score and defensively he has helped his teammates out, especially at set pieces and when we’ve been defending leads towards the end of games.

“He has picked up this goalscoring form as the campaign has gone on - and it’s great that he is getting goals at this stage of the season. Let’s hope he keeps on scoring for us.”

Kermorgant added: "It feels great to win the Player of the Month award, I’m really proud of it as it’s my first individual trophy.

“We’ve done really well in April so I’m pleased to be performing for the last month of the season.”

Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman stated: “Kermorgant remains well-loved wherever he has plied his trade throughout his career and no one would begrudge him promotion on top of the Championship Player of the Month award in his penultimate season in football.

“His hot run of form in April secured a spot in the play-offs and he will be desperate to continue that over the next three fixtures.”

Kermorgant received his award at Reading's training ground earlier this week.

Confirmation the Frenchman had won was under strict embargo by the Football League until 6am this morning - only for Royals skipper Paul McShane to let the cat out of the bag by announcing it on Instagram yesterday afternoon.

Reading Chronicle:

Reading are already guaranteed a place in the play-offs and know a victory at Burton Albion this Sunday (12pm ko) would secure third spot in the Championship table.

Joey van den Berg and Paul McShane could both return from injury, though boss Jaap Stam is unlikely to risk them before the play-off finals.

Garath McCleary is also a doubt for Sunday after aggravating his groin during last weekend's 1-0 win against Wigan.