ABERDEEN boss Jimmy Calderwood hopes that the striker Lee Miller will not succumb to an award curse.
Scotland international Miller was named Clydesdale Bank SPL player of the month for December, after a terrific final month of 2008.
The Dons' top scorer, thought to be valued around the £2m mark, grabbed his eighth goal of the season in a 2-1 victory over Alloa in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday.
The last Dons player to scoop an SPL monthly gong was November young player of the month Sone Aluko, who then picked up a hamstring injury and struggled to replicate his fine form.
And Calderwood is hoping Miller's award does not have a similar jinx over the striker in a big month for the Dons' top-three challenge.
He said: "Sometimes players have a bit of dip in form after they get these awards, but we hope that won't be the case with Lee.
"He has been brilliant for us this season."
Meanwhile, fit-again summer signing Tommy Wright is ready to pounce on the first-team opportunity should Miller suffer a dip in form.
The former Darlington striker has been blighted by injuries since his £100,000 transfer, and has subsequently failed to set the heather alight.
But manager Calderwood has put Wright into the squad for tonight's game with Kilmarnock, and believes he will soon show the Dons fans what he can do.
Calderwood said: "I know how good he can be and I am sure the supporters will discover that soon.
"Tommy has been working really hard and looks very sharp."
