The Swiss defender's strike against the Clarets helped the Magpies record a 2-0 win - and won the February goal of the month award, with Schär saying: "It's special for me - I've never won a trophy like this.

"It's nice to have scored a goal like this and it was special of course because of the victory in the game. That's the most important thing. I don't score too many goals and this is probably one of the best."

Now it is up for the Carling-sponsored prize for the whole season. With the score at 0-0 in the 24th minute, Schär unleashed a fantastic 25-yard strike which flew past Tom Heaton via the woodwork.

Also nominated are Fulham’s Jean Michael Seri (v Burnley), Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge (v Chelsea), Aaron Ramsey of Arsenal (v Fulham), Tottenham’s Son Heung-min (v Chelsea), Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace (v Manchester City), Fulham’s Andre Schurrle (v Burnley), Anthony Knockaert of Brighton & Hove Albion (v Crystal Palace), Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (v West Ham United) and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City (v Leicester City).

Voting opened here at 5pm (BST) on Wednesday, 15th May and will close at 5pm (BST) on Friday, 17th May. The public’s votes will be combined with those of a panel of football experts to decide the winner.