The 26-year-old Australian central midfielder, who plays for league leaders Brunei DPMM, registered the highest number of votes from a Facebook poll.

Coached by former Stoke City assistant Adrian Pennock, the former Rockdale Suns man played five games in April, scoring four goals with one assist.

An impressive stat for a player who is essentially a deep-lying midfielder. 

“Obviously I’m very happy to win player of the month,” Ricciuto told FTBL. “But the credit has to go to the whole team, actually.

“We’ve been playing great football with eight wins from 10 games with two draws this season. April we had four wins and a draw, so it’s been a great time for the club.

“Most of my goals come from good service from the lads. It helps me get forward a bit more from midfield.

“And there are probably a couple of guys in my team who could’ve got this award.”

Ricciuto has scored six goals in 10 games this season.

One of them, a long-range belter against Balestier Khalsa, a game in which Ricciuto bagged a brace, is also tipped to win goal of the month tomorrow.

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Ricciuto added: “I feel fit and strong - the conditioning staff has done a great job.”

“Hopefully we can keep this run going.”

Ricciuto’s form has even alerted Uruguayan media, with the former Penarol player - who has Uruguayan heritage - speaking on Uruguayan radio recently about his career resurgence in south-east Asia.

The Aussie played at Penarol in 2014/15 before returning to Australia’s second-tier and semi-pro NPL with Rockdale Suns. 

After he earned a trial with the Brunei club at the start of 2019, Ricciuto was signed and has been an instant sensation. 

Now, he's a key player for the club as their title surge gains momentum. 

Ricciuto’s side plays Albirex Niigata away on Friday night in Singapore.