Former Reading Academy star Sam Smith has been nominated for League One Player of the Month after his exploits with Cambridge United.

The 24-year-old spent seven years in RG2, scoring twice in 11 first team appearances before being let go last year.

Now in his second stint with the U's after a season-long loan in 2019, the Mancunian hit an impressive 21 goals last campaign, including 15 in the third tier.

Attracting interest over the summer, he stuck with Cambridge and has already plundered four goals in the first five matches of August, the most by any player in the division.

He hit his first professional hattrick last month, notching three in a 4-3 win over Burton Albion.

Joe Ward of Peterborough United; Liam Palmer of Sheffield Wednesday and Aaron Collins of Bristol Rovers are his competitiors.

Mark Bonner's side sit fifth in League One as things stand.