Al Habsi, Hector & John: Your March POTM Nominees

In alphabetical order...

Ali Al Habsi

Average rating: 6.2 (5 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st (Crystal Palace H), 2nd= (Brighton H), 2nd (Huddersfield A)

The goalkeeping debate that raged at the start of the season looks to have been ended by Al Habsi, who's shown in the last few months what a classy goalkeeper he can be. An outstanding performance against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup ensured the Royals were still in the match until very late on, with a string of exceptional saves even leading him to win the BBC's Man of the Match vote despite being on the losing side. A pretty consistent month elsewhere despite Reading not keeping a clean sheet, he's in with a great shout of picking up his first POTM win.

Michael Hector

Average rating: 6.2 (5 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st (Fulham H), 3rd (Cardiff H), 3rd (Huddersfield A)

A man reborn in the defensive midfield position, Hector has shone throughout March, calmly marshaling the back four and providing extra support where necessary. We knew before that the Reading youth prospect has performed well in that position whilst on one of his many loan spells, and now he's showing that form back at the Madejski - form which, of course, earned him a move to Chelsea in August. Calm on the ball and strong in the tackle, it could be that he's finally found a role to get the best out of his skillset.

Ola John

Average rating: 6.0 (5 appearances); MOTM wins: 1st (Huddersfield A), 2nd (Fulham H)

Every team needs players who excite you and give you belief that something magical is about to happen. John is the latest player to channel the inner spirit of Jimmy Kebe, Michael Gilkes et al with his quick feet and lightning pace. Whilst his lack of composure has been exposed in a couple of matches in March, there's no doubting that he can make things happen when he gets the ball at his feet. And if you've got your own chant, you must be doing something right...! Will be looking to continue to impress and earn himself a permanent deal in the summer.

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Those are your three nominees; we'll reveal the results later in the week.

Season Ratings (click for a larger version):