Graham finished last season as the club's top scorer

Carlisle United striker Danny Graham has been named the League One Player of the Month for August.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in four games during the month to maintain The Cumbrians' unbeaten start.

Carlisle manager John Ward told the club's website: "I'm absolutely delighted for Danny and I think it's recognition for the work he's done."

Jermain Beckford of Leeds, Matty Fryatt of Leicester and Chris Taylor of Oldham were also short-listed.

Former Middlesbrough forward Graham, who joined Carlisle in the summer of 2007, hit two goals in the 4-2 home win over Crewe and followed it up with a first-ever career hat-trick in the 4-1 win over Yeovil Town at Brunton Park.

I think Danny, being the type of lad he is, will be the first to say thanks to the rest of the football team for helping him gain this award Carlisle boss John Ward

"It shows that you can be at a club like Carlisle United and recognition will still come your way," Ward said.

"I think Danny, being the type of lad he is, will be the first to say thanks to the rest of the football team for helping him gain this award.

"It's a really good thing for him and the club." he added.

Graham, who finished top scorer for Carlisle last season with 17 goals, began his career as a trainee with Middlesbrough and spent loan spells at Darlington, Derby County, Leeds United and Blackpool.

He scored seven times in 11 appearances on loan for Carlisle before making the switch to Brunton Park a permanent one.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the awards panel, said: "Danny's got bags of quality, and this is a lad who's played in the first team at Middlesbrough.

"But he needed to take a few steps back to move forward, and now he's finding the net with regular ease at Carlisle and performing really well."

Carlisle winger Cleveland Taylor, who scored the winner in Saturday's 2-1 home win over Southend United, was named in the League One Team of the Week.