By Andrew Dickson

STEVEN DAVIS has been named as the Clydesdale Bank Premier League Player of the Month for January.

The Northern Ireland midfielder has been in magnificent form lately, breaking his scoring duck in some style with three goals in successive games.

His strikes against St Mirren, Falkirk and St Johnstone played a key role in helping Rangers open a 10-point lead in the SPL and reach the Co-op Cup final.

Davis' consistency has ensured he will be one of the main candidates for the seasonal awards when they are given out at the end of the campaign.

Signed from Fulham in August 2008 after moving to Ibrox on loan the previous January, he played his 100th game for the club in the 3-0 win over Falkirk on January 30.

Davis has scored 11 times for Walter Smith's side so far, including vital efforts against Werder Bremen and Celtic.

The club's players' player of the year last term, this is his first external individual accolade since he moved to Scotland.

Manager Walter Smith said: "Steven thoroughly deserves the award and I've said on a number of occasions in the last month or so at the end of games that he has been exceptional for us.

"That's not only in terms of his overall play but also in the number of goals he's been getting for us recently.

"We lost Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller and it is always awkward for any team if they lose their main front players so it's been good that Steven has helped with that as well.

"I think for his performances and his goals recently it is a well-deserved award."