Saints defender Gareth Bale has won the August Powerade Player of the Month Award in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bale has enjoyed a terrific start to life in the Saints first team, producing a string of impressive full-back displays to help his side remain unbeaten in August.

He began the month in grand style, netting a stunning free kick to help George Burley's side earn an opening day draw at Derby County.

The 17-year-old followed this up with another set-piece goal against Coventry City to set the Saints on their way to their first, and so far only, league win of the season.

Also shortlisted for the August award were Joe Ledley of Cardiff City, Robert Earnshaw of Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion's Curtis Davies.

Chris Kamara, chairman of the Powerade Player of the Month Awards panel, said: "Gareth Bale is an outstanding young talent who has made an amazing contribution to Southampton this month.

"He has a good understanding of the game for someone so young and as we have already seen from his goals he possesses a terrific left foot.

"I know George Burley rates him very highly and he is definitely a player to look out for this season."

Leon Constantine of Port Vale won the award in League 1 and Christian Roberts of Swindon Town landed the League 2 accolade.

The Powerade Awards panel, chaired by Sky Sports pundit and Coca-Cola Ambassador Chris Kamara, made the decision.

The panel also includes Paul Hetherington, Chairman of the Football Writers' Association and Malcolm Clarke, Chairman of the Football Supporters' Federation.