SIMON Eastwood’s excellent return to form with Oxford United has earned him a nomination for October’s player of the month award in Sky Bet League One.

The goalkeeper was only beaten by a penalty in four league games after he missed the first two months of the season with a dislocated finger.

Defender Rob Dickie joked the U’s No 1 had been so well protected by the back four he was fortunate to be on the shortlist.

He said: “I’m surprised he’s up for player of the month because he hasn’t had much to do.

“He’s class, a really good keeper and to have him you just feel safe when he’s in goal. We’re lucky to have him here.”

He is up against a trio of strikers – Adebayo Akinfenwa (Wycombe Wanderers), Tom Eaves (Gillingham) and Freddie Ladapo (Plymouth Argyle).

The winner will be announced on Friday morning.