Romelu Lukaku has been named the Premier League’s player of the month for March.
The Everton striker enjoyed a prolific month in which he became the club’s first player since Gary Lineker in 1985/86 to surpass the 20 league goal barrier.
Lukaku struck four times in three games as the Blues slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Tottenham before recording back-to-back wins over West Brom and Hull City.
He also provided assists for Enner Valencia and Morgan Schneiderlin in those games to beat off competition from several outstanding top-flight performers.
They included Bournemouth pair Joshua King and Artur Boruc, Southampton winger Nathan Redmond, Crystal Palace loanee Mamadou Sakho and Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum.
But the Belgium international was quick to turn his focus towards Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash at Anfield.
“I’m really happy, (winning the award) gives me another boost,” said Lukaku.
“I’m playing well at the minute and the team is doing really well as well so I think this is for all my teammates, the staff here and the Belgium national team for helping me throughout this journey.
“I think we’re preparing differently this year (for the derby) because obviously we’ve had the games with the national team.
“But we’re not really talking about the game. We are in a good flow at the minute.
“We know that we have be focused and keep our emotions under control, even though it’s a derby.
“At the end of the day you want to win, you need to keep your focus and make sure that you get the three points at the end.”