Chris O'Grady is proving to be a hot shot in more ways than one after lifting the League Two PFA Fans' Player of the Month Award for February.
The 24-year-old has been on fire for Rochdale this season, first on a loan basis and now permanently with 19 goals to his name for the League Two pacesetters.
Rochdale are already the ninth club of his career but it looks as though O'Grady has finally found a home under Keith Hill.
He has racked up a further three goals in February but all were crucial as they helped the Dale accumulate nine points and maintain their cushion at the summit.
When Hill secured the services of O'Grady on a permanent basis from Oldham he was delighted with the acquisition after years of selling off the family silver.
He said:"We are very pleased to have secured the services of Chris O'Grady.He's a very good footballer who has the DNA profile we look for in our players.He's a very good footballer and he has been scoring goals that's why there has been a little interest in him.
"You have to give credit to the chairman and the board of directors for spending the sum they have. Chris Dagnall and Chris O'Grady have formed a very good partnership."
His words were echoed by assistant manager Dave Flitcroft as well. "Where we would find a striker to replace Chris O'Grady, I just don't know," he said. "We search every day for players who could make the club better but he is at the very pinnacle of his form."
Hill has a knack for unearthing gems and O'Grady is compensating for the loss of Glenn Murray and Adam Le Fondre over the past two seasons.
If Rochdale are to achieve their first promotion for over 40 years then it is vital O'Grady stays in the form of his life. All the signs are that he will.
O'Grady successfully beat off the challenge of Shrewsbury's Terry Dunfield and Notts County pair Lee Hughes and Kasper Schmeichel in a close-fought race for our League Two crown.
All February winners at a glance:
Premier League:Wayne Rooney Manchester Utd
Championship:Chris Cohen Nottingham Forest
League One:Luciano Becchio Leeds Utd
League Two:Chris O'Grady Rochdale
