NEWCASTLE UNITED - With 15 goals netted by Newcastle United in February the competition to be player of the month has been intense to say the least. As the Toon's promotion bandwagon continues so too does the race to finish as the season's top performer in the eyes of United fans. Here are the contenders for February's Carling Player of the Month at St James' Park.

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

Andy Carroll - The Geordie striker's contribution has been there for all to see in February with five crucial goals and some outstanding performances. Carroll has also been on hand to make goals and has often been one of United's best defenders at the other end.

Wayne Routledge - The Toon winger took to life on Tyneside like a duck to water and demonstrated exactly what he can do by helping destroy Cardiff City at the start of the month. He has shone when on the ball for the Mags and grabbed his first goal for the black and whites against Coventry City to make him a contender for the February prize.

Mike Williamson - An another successful signing for Chris Hughton in the winter transfer window who has settled fantastically at United. With Steven Taylor out injured, Williamson had big boots to fill at St James' Park but has tasted defeat just once since arriving. A massive performance at Watford underlined his quality once again to cap off a solid first month against his old club.

Fabricio Coloccini - Colo has shown just why United were prepared to pay £10million for his services two years ago with a string of commanding performances for United last month. After combining well with Williamson in the heart of the back four, the Argentine's love of Newcastle is beginning to shine through in his performances for the club. A headed goal at Watford to take his tally to two for the season could also prove to be priceless.

Peter Lovenkrands - The Dane has been in red hot goalscoring form for the Magpies in 2010 and this continued last month before his goal rush was cut short through injury. His run of four goals in five games make him a candidate for player of the month after netting against Cardiff, Coventry and Preston.

Chronicle Chief Sports Writer Lee Ryder said: "As the season hits the final straight there is still no clear winner of either player of the season or Newcastle's top scorer.

"That can only be a good thing from Newcastle fans' point of view because there have been so many quality consistent performances this season.

"But despite a vast range of top performers this month myself and Bob Moncur came up with the following five contenders."