THAT November heralded three clean sheets for the Magpies made selection for the Carling Player of the Month shortlist understandably biased towards members of the United rearguard.

Back-to-back shutouts at Chelsea and Middlesbrough saw Joe Kinnear's men end the month with successive goalless draws and extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

And so the Geordies head into the festive period looking to build on their recent good form and climb the top flight table with Stoke City first up at St.James' Park on December 6.

Below, Fairs Cup legend Bob Moncur and Evening Chronicle football writer Lee Ryder have selected their five-man shortlist for November and you can make your vote above.

And don't forget, one voter will be selected at random to present the award pitchside to the winning player before a forthcoming home game.

Bob said: "November was a tough month for Newcastle but they came through it with flying colours, especially in the last two games. A run of wins is yet to come from the lads but they are certainly going the right direction under Joe Kinnear. It was hard to pick five candidates but in the end it had to be a defensive outlook."

Who will win the November award? Choose from the five players nominated below ...

Fabricio Coloccini - Another rock steady month from the South American who is settling into the Premier League in a superb fashion. Clean sheets against both Chelsea and Boro capped a fine month for Colo whose perfection in the tackle and heading skills have put him in with a great chance of taking the monthly prize.

Sebastien Bassong - Even Sebastien might not have thought that his move to Newcastle would become so successful so quickly. The young French star combined well with Colo during the month and has given Joe Kinnear some real options at the back.

Shay Given - In a month that has had a defensive flavour to it, Shay Given has more than played his part. Some vital stops have put him in with a real shout of glory in November, and nobody will forget his saves at Chelsea and Boro which won points in tricky away fixtures.

Oba Martins - The Nigerian striker has worked hard during the month and put in some key performances. He has often provided United with a real option upfront and chuck into that three goals, his contributions have helped haul Newcastle out of the bottom three.

Danny Guthrie - The midfielder didn't complain when he had to make way for the returning Joey Barton. And his professional attitude was rewarded with starts against Chelsea and Boro, the battling midfielder covered a lot of ground in his three games and looks set to continue his good run in December.