McIlroy was picked ahead of Andy Scott (Brentford), Keith Hill (Rochdale) and Paul Tisdale (Exeter) for his second such award since taking Morecambe into the Football League.

The Morecambe manager said: "The lads have done fantastic during this month. We have only had 15, 16 fit players available really but the effort and commitment they have given has been superb.

"We have had some good results at home and away, played some good football, got the consistency we have been looking for and have moved up the table."

Click play for the full interview, including Sammy's thoughts on the trip to Dagenham.

The Shrimps began February with a 2-0 win over high-flying Brentford and then drew 1-1 with Lincoln and beat Chester 3-1 to round off a run of four successive home games.

They were then on their travel for three games with Michael Twiss scoring late to earn a 1-1 draw at Rochdale, then Stewart Drummond sealing a 2-0 win at Aldershot before Garry Hunter's memorable goal capped a 3-2 win at Grimsby.

The Shrimps rounded off the month with a 0-0 home draw with Wycombe on Saturday to give the club 15 points from a possible 21 during February.