AITOR KARANKA is the strong favourite to become the Sky Bet Championship’s manager of the month for September after Middlesbrough’s climb in to an automatic promotion place.

The Spaniard was announced on a four-man shortlist for September for leading Boro to a maximum 12 points from the 12 available to them, while they also overcame Wolves in the Capital One Cup.

Middlesbrough defender Daniel Ayala has also been shortlisted for the player of the month award, which brings back memories of last January when Karanka and Lee Tomlin made it a Teesside double.

The winner of the awards will be announced on Friday morning, with Karanka holding a better record over the month than the other names on the shortlist.

Reading boss Steve Clarke, whose side beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at the beginning of October, claimed three wins from four games last month, including away victories at Bristol City and Burnley.

Paul Clement led Derby to ten points from 12 during an unbeaten period after a tricky start to the campaign, while league leaders Brighton boss Chris Hughton is the final contender after claiming eight points from an unbeaten four matches.

Ayala has been named because of his contribution to Middlesbrough’s run. The defender was crucial to a record of conceding just two goals in the four games during a month when he became a father. Reading’s Nick Blackman, Huddersfield’s Emyr Huws and Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes are also in the frame.

Two of Middlesbrough’s pre-Christmas fixtures, meanwhile, have been rearranged to be screened live on Sky Sports. Both of the new dates centre on long treks for Boro supporters.

Middlesbrough’s away game at Ipswich Town has been brought forward to Friday, December 4 at 7.45, which is a day earlier than originally planned.

And the game at Brighton’s Amex Stadium will now have the earlier 12.30pm kick-off time on Saturday, December 19.