A fine February from Perth Glory’s Spanish maestro Diego Castro has secured the attacking genius the PFA Player of the Month award.

The 36-year-old received the highest number of votes of February’s four nominees, including teammate Chris Ikonomidis, Adelaide United’s Isaias and Sydney FC’s Milos Ninkovic. The award is voted on by A-League players from across the competition.

Castro netted twice and notched two assists during Glory’s four matches last month as the former Spanish top-flight attacker returned to his A-League best with a series of scintillating performances.

Castro was brilliant in Perth’s 4-0 demolition of Brisbane on February 24, scoring a fantastic team goal, which involved a clever back-heel and tight near-post finish, as well as weaving his way into the penalty to set up a goal for Andy Keogh.

His goal against Melbourne Victory was not only crucial in terms of the A-League title race – providing Perth with a 2-0 lead away from home on February 10 – but was a demonstration of his sublime talent, executing an improvised acrobatic volley from Ikonomidis’ left wing cross.

The Glory captain’s performances throughout February prompted teammate Liam Reddy to claim the former Sporting Gijon and Getafe player was the best foreign player to grace the competition, while coach Tony Popovic said Castro’s decision-making in matches was “on another level”.

Castro, whose start to the 2018/19 campaign was interrupted by hamstring injuries, said he was honoured to be awarded the Player of the Month Award, but was particularly pleased to be able to contribute to Glory’s positive season, with the Western Australian side six rounds away from the Premiers Plate if they maintain their position at the summit.

“It’s a big honour just to be nominated for this award, so to win it is very special,” Castro said on Tuesday.

“It is also a recommendation for our whole playing group and the success that we have enjoyed this season.

“On a personal note, my season didn’t start well due to injury, but thanks to the care of our medical and coaching staff, I’m now back to the level I need to be at both mentally and physically.

“I’m really looking forward to us performing strongly in the final rounds of the regular season and then in the finals.”

The PFA Player of the Month award recognises the on-field efforts of the players in Australia’s domestic competitions and was established in 2014.

Following the format of the PFA Player of the Year and Harry Kewell Medal voting, A-League players are asked to vote in a 3-2-1 basis from a shortlist of nominees chosen by an awards committee at the end of each month.

The PFA A-League Player of the Month is proudly supported by PFA Major Corporate Partner LUCRF Super.