NORWICH midfielder Sammy Clingan lost out to Burnley's veteran forward Robbie Blake in March's Championship player-of-the-month awards.City's influential Northern Ireland international was short-listed alongside Blake, Sheffield United's David Cotterill and Wolves Michael Kightly.

NORWICH midfielder Sammy Clingan lost out to Burnley's veteran forward Robbie Blake in March's Championship player-of-the-month awards.

City's influential Northern Ireland international was short-listed alongside Blake, Sheffield United's David Cotterill and Wolves Michael Kightly. Blake helped the Clarets notch four wins out of five last month and chipped in with two vital goals against Nottingham Forest and Plymouth to boost Burnley's play-off bid.

Sky Sports pundit and chairman of the Powerade player-of-the-month panel Chris Kamara said: “Robbie Blake gets better and better with age. Outside of the Premier League, even though he's 33, he's one of the best around. He's got great skills and his quality has shone through, especially in recent weeks.” Clingan's nomination follows City boss Bryan's Gunn's selection last week for March's manager-of-the-month short list won by Blades manager Kevin Blackwell.