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JERMAINE'S A TWO TIMES WINNER

Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford is chasing a hat-trick of triumphs after netting a big double at The Football League awards evening in London on Sunday.

Promotion would be the icing on the cake for Beckford, named League 1's Player of the Year and also winner of the Goal of the Year award.

A return to the Championship would see the 24 year-old striker back at that level after spending a season and a half in League 1.

Last term he helped Scunthorpe clinch promotion to the Championship in a four-month loan spell that brought him eight goals in 17 appearances.

And one of those strikes, a brilliant individual effort in the 1-0 win against Rotherham United on 17th February, 2007 earned him the Goal of the Year award.

"I remember having half a yard and there were two defenders in front of me," said Beckford as he recalled his spectacular goal.

"I took the ball on to my left foot," he continued, "and then I just buried it in the top corner - it was one of those shots you knew was going in as soon as you hit it."

The goal, a superbly curled shot from the edge of the penalty area after some ultra-smart footwork, was well deserving of the annual award.

Back in Leeds colours this season, Beckford has so far hit 17 goals to help put his team on track for promotion and to help himself to the Player of the Year accolade.

"It's a massive honour, it really is," he said after collecting his award, "and right now I can't think of a better feeling.

"I don't know if they picked the right player," added the striker modestly, "but I guess goals speak for themselves and I'm more than happy."

Beckford will be even happier if Leeds, who started the campaign with a 15-point deduction, end up with promotion at the first attempt following last season's relegation.

They are currently eighth in the table and two points behind the Play-Off places as they head into their final 12 games of the campaign.

"We started the season well," he noted. "We were winning matches, the confidence bubbled over from there and promotion is definitely the aim.

"It looks like it might come through the Play-Offs, but you never know because automatic promotion is still a possibility."