Duffus Wins League Award

Courtney Duffus has been named the Under-21 Premier League Player of the Month. The young Blues forward picked up the individual honour at Finch Farm this week having impressed in three games in March. The award, in its inaugural season, is determined by the Premier League's youth development team, who monitor all games at Under-21 level. Duffus, who has recovered and recently returned from a cruciate ligament injury sustained last season, put in impressive displays against Sunderland, Reading and Middlesbrough, netting against the Teesiders in a 2-2 draw. Speaking to evertontv upon collecting his award from coach David Unsworth, the 20-year-old told evertontv: "I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. It’s been a really rough 12 to 14 months but winning an award like this makes it better." Unsworth was also delighted a member of his talented side had been acknowledged by the Premier League. "We're not really one of individual awards - we’re all about the team - but it is nice when it’s recognised outside of the football club," he said. "Courtney’s had a really difficult period but the way he worked in the gym to come back from his knee injury is testament to himself, his dedication and his work ethic. "To come back and show the form, the performances and the goals he has done has been terrific. If he can stay clear of injuries and perform consistently as he did in March, he’s got a great opportunity and a great chance here."