'I want more' - Matt Taylor reacts as Bristol Rovers striker awarded January's League One Player of the Month

Bristol Rovers striker Chris Martin has won the League One Player of the Month award for January, the EFL have confirmed.

The 35-year-old netted five times in four league matches and his manager Matt Taylor has reacted to the news of the striker's award. "I want more service to him," said Taylor. "I want more balls flashing across that box, more opportunities to get his goal record at a higher level than it already is."

The former QPR striker has been absolutely vital for the Gas this campaign, since his arrival to the club back in September, when he joined as a free agent. Martin's contract was due to expire only a two weeks ago, however he opted to extend his stay in BS7 until at least the end of the season. "We were waiting for that contract to be signed in January so that was a big month and an important month, most importantly we got him tied down," said Taylor.

The centre forward will hope to continue his fine form into February, however he won't be able to have an impact this weekend, as he suspended, due to his sending off for Rovers' in their midweek defeat at home to Fleetwood Town in League One. "He obviously misses this weekend," said Taylor. "But he's been a big player for us. He made probably too good a contact with that chance early on Tuesday, if he scores the game could have looked so different and it was a fantastic save, but he is in the right place."

The veteran has played a lot of football since his arrival to the Mem, and his manager indicated that although he will be missing for the Burton Albion clash, long-term the absence does have its benefits. "At the moment it's quite impressive," said Taylor. "It won't do him any harm missing this weekend as much as we want him out there, the amount of games he's played and he having missed pre-season and obviously he had a niggle and a bit of illness the week before, so we look forward to welcoming back in a fresher capacity on Tuesday but we will miss him this weekend."

The Pirates are busy preparing for the visit of Burton this weekend, where Taylor now has a decision to make in the centre forward area. The 42-year-old may opt for John Marquis to lead the line for the Gas, however he could look to try and get a tune out of Jevani Brown, a player who was so important for him during his time in the Exeter City dugout.