Carlisle United are in the running for an awards double - for manager Paul Simpson and top scorer Kristian Dennis.

Simpson has been shortlisted for SkyBet League Two manager of the month for January.

And striker Dennis is among the nominees for the division's player of the month.

The double shortlisting is a reward for their efforts in helping Carlisle surge into the automatic promotion places.

It is a second nomination in the space of three months for Simpson, whose side won four of their five league games last month.

The judges' citation on the Blues boss says: "A stunning month for Carlisle who won their final four games out of five to move into the automatic promotion places.

News and Star: Simpson led United to four wins - and to third place - in JanuarySimpson led United to four wins - and to third place - in January (Image: Ben Holmes)

"Simpson has turned them into a dominant force at Brunton Park where they scored ten of their 12 January goals."

Simpson is up against Colchester United's Matt Bloomfield, Stevenage's Steve Evans and Gillingham's Neil Harris for the January prize.

READ MORE: How Carlisle United's young loanees fared in latest outings

Hitman Dennis, meanwhile, is in the player of the month running after an impressive January during which he scored five goals in as many games.

He hit a double against Hartlepool United as well as finding the net against Doncaster Rovers, Newport County and Barrow.

That salvo took him to 17 league goals and 18 in all competitions for the season.

News and Star: Dennis scored five goals last month - including a brace against HartlepoolDennis scored five goals last month - including a brace against Hartlepool (Image: Ben Holmes)

Awards judges said: "Five goals and two assists in five games for Carlisle’s nuisance of a striker, who refuses to give opposition defenders a moment’s peace, always ready on the shoulder to convert a half-chance as with his two opportunistic finishes against Hartlepool."

Dennis's rivals for the award are Salford City forward Conor McAleny, Gillingham attacker Tom Nichols and Stevenage defender Carl Piergianni.

The winners are announced on Friday.

The judging panel for the player of the month award comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL chief executive Trevor Birch and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies. Goodman, Davies and ex-Barnsley boss Danny Wilson are the manager of the month judges.