NEWPORT fly-half Matt O’Brien has been named as Principality Premiership player of the month for November after helping revive the Black and Ambers’ top-eight hopes.

The 24-year-old has helped the Rodney Parade side to victories against Neath, Swansea, Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins to climb to 11th in the table ahead of their crunch Boxing Day fixture at Cross Keys.

Head coach Craig Warlow said: “I'm pleased for him because his performances have been critical to our good form recently.

“His decision-making has improved and he has got the balance right between kicking and running. He's always had the talent and now he has shown the right application too.”

O’Brien, older brother of Dragons fly-half Angus, knows he needs to help his teammates continue their fine form with Keys followed by a home date with RGC 1404 and a trip to Bargoed.

"We've started to put a strong run of games together after a slow start to the season,” said the WRU school-club hub officer at Caldicot Comprehensive.

“Where we were losing games at the start of the season, we've managed to turn them into narrow wins.

“Our aim now is to keep working hard, the next three games are vital to try and get into the top eight, you never know what might happen.”