Leeds could have double reason to celebrate as they bid to make it six of the best against Watford on Saturday.

Boss Brian McDermott and red-hot striker Ross McCormack are both in the running for prizes to mark the Whites’ surge into Championship play-off contention.

Leeds go into the home clash with last season’s losing Wembley finalists just a point off the top six after Wednesday’s win over Wigan – their fifth straight at Elland Road.

That 2-0 victory, secured with two more goals from McCormack, made it four wins out of five overall as they bounced straight back from the lacklustre loss at Blackburn.

Their improving form has seen McDermott short-listed for the SkyBet Championship manager of the month award for November.

The Leeds chief will find out tomorrow morning if he has beaten off the competition from Oscar Garcia at Brighton, Nigel Pearson of Leicester and Bolton’s Dougie Freedman.

McCormack could also be rewarded as the division’s best player in the last month.

The Scottish international took his tally for the season to 15 goals with two more in midweek. He enjoyed a prolific November, scoring seven in four games including the first hat-trick of his career when he netted all four at Charlton.

Former Bradford City youngster Andre Wisdom, currently on loan at Derby from Liverpool, stands in his way of the prize along with Leicester winger Lloyd Dyer and Brighton keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Leeds were hammered 6-1 by Watford at Elland Road last season, with Bantams midfielder Mark Yeates among the scorers from a free-kick.

But Gianfranco Zola’s Hornets have struggled to replicate that form this term. Their last triumph came two months ago at Huddersfield.

Leeds will fancy their chances of a sixth successive home success and McDermott said: “We’re trying to build a winning mentality. We’re learning how to win together.”

Meanwhile, Leeds teenager Alex Mowatt has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract with the club.

The 18-year-old midfielder has been rewarded with a long-term deal after establishing himself in  McDermott’s starting line-up following his first-team debut in the Capital One Cup win at home town club Doncaster in August.

“I’m really pleased to have signed,” said Mowatt.

“I’ve been at the club since I was six and this is where I want to play my football.

“This season has gone really, really well so far, and I just want to keep working hard, keep improving, and play my part in helping Leeds United get where we want to be.”